Nicola Genco's participatory sculpture 'Exodus' debuts at Castromediano Museum in Lecce

On August 28, 2020, the Museo Sigismondo Castromediano in Lecce launched 'Exodus,' a participatory public artwork by Puglian artist Nicola Genco. The installation is a boat-shaped sculpture composed of 81 bodies, referencing the 1997 Kater I Rades shipwreck in the Canale d'Otranto that killed 81 people. Created with young refugees as part of 'La bellezza dell'integrazione' project, the work evolved from the earlier 'Musei accoglienti' initiative by the Italian Council for Refugees and Teatro Pubblico Pugliese, funded by the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (FAMI) 2014-2020. The project aims to promote socio-cultural inclusion of international protection holders through participatory cultural activities. Hundreds of small sculptures made by Genco and refugees will be placed along viale Gallipoli, viale Lo Re, and via Duca degli Abruzzi, eventually reaching the cloister of Convitto Palmieri, where local shopkeepers will display them on sidewalks. The work remains at the museum and library until September 10. Museum director Luigi De Luca emphasized the museum's role as a multidisciplinary space open to communities, extending into the urban fabric. Regional tourism and culture assessor Loredana Capone highlighted art as a means to engage with present and future perspectives.