Ukrainian and Italian Children Paint for Peace Along the Tiber in Rome

On Saturday, May 14, 2022, from 11 AM to 2 PM, the participatory art event 'Total Performing 7 Arts for Peace' took place on the left bank of Piazza Tevere between Ponte Sisto and Ponte Mazzini in Rome. Organized by the FESTA delle 7 ARTI movement, founded by Francesca Chialà, the happening aimed to promote peace among peoples, care for nature, humans, and public spaces. The initiative was embraced by Tevereterno, in the mirrored section of the embankments where William Kentridge created 'Triumphs and Laments' using hydro-cleaning technique—a frieze now faded due to smog's grayish patina reforming on the travertine. Ukrainian children hosted in reception centers and students from Montessori schools participated, leaving hand and foot prints on 12 canvases totaling 120 meters in length, spurred by music, singing, and dance. The event began with Beethoven's Ninth Symphony and the Italian national anthem, followed by arias from Turandot and Nabucco, performed by the Orchestra Sinfonica Città di Roma, blending jazz, soul, opera, and pop. Cinzia Tedesco sang the Ukrainian anthem, and Rodolfo Corsato recited 'La Bomba' by Beat Generation poet Gregory Corso. The performance coincided with World Oncology Patient Day, prompting rowing clubs to parade on the Tiber to support a team of American women battling breast cancer, symbolized by the Canottiere RosaRemo team. Additionally, Legambiente and MareVivo helped clean the left bank of Piazza Tevere.