Milan turns storm-felled trees into public art through open call

The Municipality of Milan has launched a public call for the reuse of wood from over 5,000 trees felled during the July 24-25, 2023 storm. The initiative, approved on August 3, 2023, by the Green and Environment Directorate, aims to create wooden artifacts for public parks under a circular economy model. Artists, schools, architecture firms, artisans, and nonprofits can submit proposals by October 31, 2023. Works must address the human-nature relationship and climate change, be under 1.5 meters tall, and be site-specific. A commission will select one assignee per area, scoring up to 100 points based on quality, safety, durability, and thematic coherence. Designated parks include Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli, Giardino Belgioioso, Parco Sempione, Parco della Martesana, Parco Lambro, Parco Forlanini, Parco della Vettabbia, Parco Cascina Bianca, Parco di Trenno, Monte Stella, and Parco delle Favole. Councilor for Green Elena Grandi stated the goal is to transform the wood into a 'reminder' of the storm and a stimulus for reflection on climate change. Separately, the association Crea Productions has received 15 cubic meters of wood to build a mobile stage, to be funded via a 30,000-euro crowdfunding campaign on Produzioni dal Basso, with completion expected in about a year.