Bar Europa: a traveling sign as a symbol of European community and cultural heritage

A wooden sign reading 'Bar Europa' is traveling across Italian and European cities as a symbol of community and political change. Initiated by Michele Gerace, the project involves activists, artists, cultural operators, and civil society representatives. The sign represents a protest against the negative aspects of Europe and an offer for change. It has generated and strengthened social, cultural, and political connections, both intersectoral and intergenerational. The project emphasizes the political potential of the word 'community,' often used but rarely considered in political terms. Gerace argues that cultural heritage offers opportunities in environment, tourism, combating illicit trafficking, innovation, international cooperation, and diplomacy. He sees cultural heritage as an expression of shared values and a cultural premise for political unity. The article, published in Artribune Magazine #39 in 2017, looks ahead to the 2018 European Year of Cultural Heritage. Gerace calls for a true political union based on a shared vision and community spirit, from Brussels to Tor Bella Monaca.