Trapani Exhibition Explores Caregiving Through Contemporary Art

The contemporary art exhibition 'Caregiver', curated by Rebecca Russo, president of the Videoinsight Foundation – ETS, is on view at the Magazzini dell'arte contemporanea in Trapani, Sicily, until August 29, 2026. The show brings together 21 international artists, including Julie Machallova, Chiara Manetti, Nunzio Paci, Cosimo Veneziano, Maria Pogorzhelskaya, and Greta Pilana, who explore the multifaceted concept of care. The exhibition is rooted in ISTAT data revealing that 8 million Italians (15% of the population) are caregivers, with over 70% being women, many aged 45-65, and about 17% under 35. Approximately 30% of caregivers dedicate over 20 hours weekly to assistance, and 60% have had to alter or abandon their jobs. The project highlights the 'caregiver disease' and burnout syndrome, emphasizing the need for self-care. Russo notes that the Italian government approved a bill in 2026 to grant legal recognition and protections to caregivers. The exhibition also features connections to AI and robotics, referencing 'Grace', a humanoid robot caregiver developed in 2021 to support elderly and isolated individuals. The show aims to raise awareness and use art as a therapeutic tool, aligning with the World Health Organization's recognition of art's role in health prevention.