Parma's Talking Teens: Statues Call Passersby via Smartphone
On May 18, the cultural initiative Talking Teens – Le Statue Parlano! will spotlight sixteen monuments in Parma, a project developed by ECHO and overseen by Paola Greci. Drawing inspiration from similar efforts in cities like London, New York, and Copenhagen, notable statues such as Giuseppe Verdi and La Vittoria will engage with the public through cell phones, an app, and QR codes. Users will find braille instructions to access calls sharing myths and historical narratives. Involved in the project were 350 high school students who crafted scripts and produced materials. A crowdfunding effort enabled locals to adopt statues, with Francesca di Fazio winning a contest for Verdi's call script. Voices include actors Elisabetta Pozzi and Franco Nero, supported by a scientific committee of experts.
Key facts
- Sixteen monuments in Parma will be activated starting May 18.
- Project called Talking Teens – Le Statue Parlano! by cultural association ECHO.
- Curated by Paola Greci, inspired by projects in London, New York, and Copenhagen.
- Statues include Giuseppe Verdi, La Vittoria, Il Parmigianino, Il Partigiano, Giuseppe Garibaldi, Il Correggio, Ercole e Anteo, Arturo Toscanini.
- Passersby receive calls on their phones via QR codes and an app.
- Instructions available in braille and video calls in Italian Sign Language (LIS).
- Calls available in Italian, English, and Parmesan dialect.
- 350 high school students participated in writing scripts and producing content.
- Crowdfunding campaign and writing contest won by Francesca di Fazio.
- Future plans include sensory pathways and cultural events.
- Voice actors include Elisabetta Pozzi, Franco Nero, Marco Baliani, Fabrizio Croci, Luca Nucera.
- Student voices for Gruppo del Sileno: Claudio Mirra, Daniele Napodano, Yasmine Guilo, Giada Mantione, Paolo Saviotti.
- Scientific committee: Federica Pascotto, Mario Petriccioni, Carlotta Sorba, Vanja Strukelj.
Entities
Artists
- Giuseppe Verdi
- Il Parmigianino
- Il Correggio
- Ercole e Anteo
- Arturo Toscanini
- Elisabetta Pozzi
- Franco Nero
- Marco Baliani
- Fabrizio Croci
- Luca Nucera
- Claudio Mirra
- Daniele Napodano
- Yasmine Guilo
- Giada Mantione
- Paolo Saviotti
- Francesca di Fazio
Institutions
- ECHO
- Arstories
- Pinault Collection
- FLAT Fiera Libro d’Arte Torino
- Fondazione Merz
- Università degli Studi di Padova
- Centro Interuniversitario di Storia Culturale
- CSAC
Locations
- Parma
- Italy
- London
- New York
- Copenhagen