“Reality is a dragon that must be traversed to understand the essence of who we are.”
This personal reflection, inspired by Dino Buzzati’s tale L’Uccisione del Drago (The Slaying of the Dragon), sets the tone for the Magic Carpets Italia 2024 project. It became a fitting metaphor for Belonging, an artistic journey led by the duo UCCI UCCI (Gloria Zeppilli and Salvatore Crucitti) alongside Lithuanian artist-in-residence Ilona Mikneviciute. The project aimed to explore and deepen the sense of belonging in the outskirts of Rome, particularly Laurentino 38 and Vigne Nuove, by fostering connections between people and their environment.
With UCCI UCCI, we engaged in storytelling at L’Approdo, a family home for migrants. Here, the residents brought to life Attraversare il Drago (Crossing the Dragon), a short film that reinterprets Italian literary traditions through contemporary lenses. Set in evocative locations like Parco Talenti del Tufello and the Travertine Caves of Guidonia, the film tells a story of challenges, dreams, and the magical feeling of belonging. The entire creative process, from costumes to screenplay, stemmed from the imagination of the young participants, transforming the project into an authentic expression of their experiences. Through this collaborative endeavour, the artists fostered deep bonds, creating a true community where each individual felt seen and heard. For these young people, many of whom have faced significant hardships and migration journeys, the creative process became a safe space to explore their identities. The metaphorical dragon of their fears was transformed into a symbol of strength and resilience, allowing them to embrace their place within a larger context.
Simultaneously, Ilona Mikneviciute led workshops at the Laurentina Library, the heart of the Laurentino 38 neighbourhood. Here, children and adults collaborated on the creation of a Modular Garden, a project reflecting each participant’s inner world. Working with soil, plants, rivets, and aluminium, they crafted an urban oasis symbolizing creativity and connection to their surroundings. The garden became a space of refuge and community, shaped by the collective efforts of the participants. With the support of the Biblioteche di Roma Circuit, this green space is intended to be a lasting installation, nurtured by the love and care of the neighbourhood’s residents. The project instilled a sense of responsibility and belonging, extending its impact far beyond its initial duration.
Bridging Stories and Building Connections
Both projects forged invisible bridges between diverse stories and experiences, sparking a dialogue that transcended art itself. They created opportunities for participants to imagine, dream, and rediscover the beauty of their present while envisioning a shared future. In an era where the sense of belonging can often feel fragile, the Belonging project demonstrated that human connections and shared experiences provide a profound source of strength and meaning. By inviting participants to “cross the dragon”, it encouraged them to confront their fears and realities, fostering a sense of belonging that is both deeply personal and collective.
Together, we crafted a shared narrative, demonstrating how art and creativity can strengthen the bond between people and places. This connection is not only an act of existence but also an act of resistance, a call to continue imagining and building vibrant, resilient communities ready to dream of a better tomorrow.
The Festival and Final Presentation
The culmination of these efforts was a powerful final event on September 27, 2024. This gathering was more than a closing ceremony; it was a moment of collective sharing and reflection. Ilona Mikneviciute’s Modular Garden artwork was officially donated to the Laurentina Library in the presence of the Biblioteche di Roma Circuit’s management, giving the event significant symbolic weight. The occasion allowed participants and visitors to immerse themselves in the project’s creative scope, sharing stories, reflections, and personal experiences, making it a richly meaningful choral experience.
Belonging was showcased as part of the Festival Città Foresta – Le Cosmicomiche, a project that won the Public Notice Estate Romana 2023-2024, amplifying its visibility and impact. Through this festival, we demonstrated that, despite the challenges of our time, the act of coming together to share and celebrate memory, identity, and creativity is a powerful tool for building a more connected and compassionate community.
Curatorial text by Paola Farfaglio, Latitudo