 |
Cultural
Events
The program of the Congress
offers many possibilities for leisure time and cultural enrichment. The
activities are free and open to all, with the only exception of the “World
premiere for the One World Award” that will take place during the Gala Dinner.
In
Modena
Opening Ceremony (June 17th
at 6:30 pm) A splendid opening ceremony will officially inaugurate the Congress on Tuesday, June 17th, 2008, at
6:30 pm, in the picturesque setting of Piazza Grande, next to the Modena Cathedral and the Ghirlandina Tower, both declared UNESCO World Heritage sites. This important moment will be public and open to everyone. World-famous scientists and international activists will alternate on the stage, where they will bring their precious contribution to the works of the Congress and inspire its contents. The institutional moments will be complemented by interludes of artistic performances, dance, music and theater in particular. Artists will not miss a chance to praise the cultural and
traditional aspects of Modena’s territory, with particular attention given to the organic world gathering in Modena.
Exhibitions
(throughout the
entire Congress duration, historic center) Antique and now rare plants, tropical forests in the face of nature domesticated by man, faces and places, near and far, where people do agriculture and cooperate for development, as well as artistic projects on food and “friendly” plants – the fruit of the research and work of young students at the arts institute of Modena. All this will be on display during the Congress to give participants new ideas to reflect upon and to get the non-initiated involved. Photography, graphic arts and contemporary arts will be the alternative instruments used to explore themes such as agriculture
today, development, biodiversity, the environment and climate change. The exhibition sites in the historic center, the meeting rooms, the botanical garden will be the places for this reflection and certainly worth visiting.
The complete list of offered visits will be available to the participants upon arrival to Modena and at the Congress sites.
Evenings of the Este (June 12th - 22nd, historic
center) From June 12th to 22nd, Modena hosts the Serate Estensi (Evenings of the Este), a historic
commemoration of the Este Dukedom that, in 1598, moved its capital to Modena and ruled it for centuries. The splendors of the Court of Este in Modena are reminded with ten-day festivities in the historic places around the city (Piazza Grande, Palazzo Ducale, Piazza D’Armi, Giardino Ducale) and with cultural exhibitions and conferences. The theme of the 2008 edition is the art of the banquet, from the kitchen to the table. The events to be pointed out are the theme dinners, the Great XIX Century Ball at the Ducal Palace, the Great Concert on Piazza Grande, the theatrical shows at the
Ducal Gardens, the popular Banquet and the Banquet of the Noble House of Este. Antique codes of cuisine and precious furniture belonging to the artistic legacy of the Este family will be at the center of the exhibitions on the Este cuisine. Among the events most sought after by the public, there are the challenges of the Historic Soccer, the Quintana Cybea and the Great Este Quest for the Stolen Pail. Scores of nobles from the 1600’s to the 1800’s will make us relive the ambiance of the
ducal court every evening. All the evenings are free of charge.
Promoter: Municipality of Modena – Council for the Sports.
Film Festival
(April-May-June,
the Tent and Summer Supercinema) Original short films – the fruit of the first and second short film festivals on organic food, co-organized in 2007 and 2008 by the cooperative Alce Nero, the Municipality of Isola del Piano and the Alberghiero S. Marta e Commerciale Turistico G. Branca Institute – films already known to the general public, which present the themes of food and the environment; these are the ingredients of the Film Festival taking place during the Congress. It begins in April-May with four evenings dedicated to the public, at the Tent. Its aim is to incite a reflection on healthy and sustainable
lifestyles, with positive and negative examples immortalized by the camera. It concludes with a
unique evening at the Summer Supercinema, with the screening of a feature film entitled “The Real
Dirt On Farmer John”. This film tells the personal story of a farmer, the mirror of an evolving society and a testimony of lifestyle choices. Author and actor John Peterson will be present to talk with the public. Don’t miss it!
In collaboration with Arci Modena.
Festival of the Other Economy
(June 16th- 22nd, historic center)
“CONSUME
BETTER. WASTE LESS!” The 5th edition of the critical, fair and aware consumption week.
Alternative economic models are possible. This is the conviction of the associations gathered at the Table of the Other Economy of Modena that, together with Agenda 21, Modena’s International Cooperation Office and the Oltremare Cooperative, will bring to life the 5th edition of the Other Economy week, in concomitance with the IFOAM Congress.
In parallel to an economy that sacrifices the environment, social equity, quality of life, and where well-being is measured based on GDP, a different economy develops and grows, “other” by its methods of production, distribution and consumption. An economy that’s equitable, sustainable, ethical and fair, and which runs on other ideas, based on the principles of ecology, equity, simplicity, balance, social justice, respect of the environment and solidarity among peoples and countries.
During the week: 3 days of going in depth into themes such as social farming, international cooperation and alternative development models, with international guests, offering to Congress participants, and everyone else, occasions for exchange and comparison.
On the weekend (June 20th - 22nd): an exhibition hall at the Market Festival site, in the area of Piazza Matteotti, devoted to international cooperation and fair trade associations and projects, as well as to aware consumers, recycling associations and those promoting alternative energy, to acquisition groups and to the many other subjects that constitute the rich and heterogeneous world
of the Other Economy.
In collaboration with: Agenda 21, Modena’s International Cooperation Office, Tavolo Altra Economia, Modena Città Equosolidale.
Fête de la Musique (June 21st)
Also known as World Music Day, it is one of the most important cultural and entertainment events in Europe. It takes place on June 21st, during the summer solstice. Launched in France, in 1982, it has grown to international proportions. Supported by municipal administrations, cultural associations
and community institutions, today it takes place in many European cities. Hundreds of free concerts are organized in various locations in the cities, which become big stages under the stars for a night of music.
The festivities arrive to Modena on the occasion of the IFOAM Organic World Congress, invading the common places: streets, squares, churches, courtyards, monuments, but also unusual locations, places for you to discover.
Famous artists and emerging musicians, students of music schools, choirs and bands, youth groups and solo interpreters will be the protagonists. From rock to rap, classical to techno, traditional music to modern and experimental sounds; music that goes beyond all barriers, music that unites, music that mends the social relationships with a universal thread and gives value to differences.
A celebration for the free creative expression that tries to regain a sense of an individual and collective experience, of a comparison with others, for a modern and civil cohabitation.
The party will start late in the afternoon and long into the night, to fully enjoy the longest day of the year.
The night will be very lively, propitious for making new acquaintances, for discovering the city and its museums, for making music and listening to it.
Promoters: Province of Modena, participating Associations and Bodies, in collaboration with: Italian Association for the promotion of the World Music Day, Association for the Development of Creation, Studies and Projects.
Theatrical performances
1) “Ristorante Città (City
Restaurant). Architectural and culinary tastings”
(June 18th - 21st,
historic center)
To tell that, which cannot be told, or that may seem impossible to tell.
The squares, the courtyards, the markets of Modena’s historic center – a city
that takes pride in the architectural, cultural and gastronomical
world-renowned experiences it has created – will transform into venues for
agricultural events.
The Koinè theater company, which promotes the culture of environmental
sustainability in Agriculture and in Theater since 1994, will transform the
urban and architectural spaces of the city into scenes of theatrical
expression, where the spectators can taste organic products. Picturesque and
original guided visits will leave from the Theatralized Informative Camp,
not far from the main Congress site, to discover the origins of Italian organic
productions: wine, cheese, fruits, vegetables and meats. Courses on plowing and
using a hoe, short lessons on sustainable agriculture, tasting the presence of
the pasture, the cows, milk, herdsmen, curd and casaro (cheese maker)
contained and concentrated in the crafted cheese, visits to markets and meeting
the farmers.
2) “Encounters with extraordinary
animals. The cow, the pig, the hen.” (June 20th - 22nd)
Three love stories told in a circular-shaped venue resembling an arena.
The public, comfortably seated on wooden steps, a striped big top above their
heads, witnesses a clash-comparison of the various forms of love: paternal
love, fraternal love, impossible love. Three animals are witnessing, unmoved:
the cow, the pig, the hen.
Stories told in front of the curious eyes of the distant farm
animals, aware that nature, no matter what, continues its course. And if
seen with different eyes, it can help us to continue ours. In spite of
everything. A show for both children and adults.
In collaboration with: Province of Parma, Cà Luogo d’Arte
Cultural Association.
Harmonies in music and
architecture. Nature.
The exhibition “Harmonies in Music and Architecture” was born in 1996
from the collaboration between the Council for Culture of the Province of
Modena and the Friends of the “J.S. Bach” Pipe Organ Association of Modena.
Presenting its 12th edition this year, it has allowed, over the
years, to underline the value of the Modenese Apennines, custodians of the most
precious historical pipe organs, and to restore numerous invaluable
instruments. The achieved success and the interest it has created in institutions,
parishes and the general public has given rise to a true cultural circuit,
which has seen great composers unite with young interpreters.
The inaugurating concert will take place in Modena, in the splendid
Benedictine Abbey of Saint Peter, on June 18th, at 9:00 pm. This
will be the beginning of a long musical journey highlighting churches, abbeys,
oratories and the Apennine castles, in a truly brilliant scenario that will
leave you thrilled and amazed. The 2008 Exhibition emphasizes on the link between
Music and Nature, and each concert’s program will contain pages inspired by the
sounds of nature.
A unique initiative in Italy that is pleased to welcome the Congress
participants for an evening of classical music.
In collaboration with: Province of Modena, Friends of the J.S. Bach Pipe
Organ Association of Modena.
World premiere for “OWA” - the One World Award
IFOAM is patron of the newly established One World Award (OWA), which recognizes not only outstanding engagement and achievements in the organic movement through providing creative, high impacting solutions for environment protection as well as fair livelihoods, but also contributions that merit “globalisation” in our one and only world. The OWA laureates will encourage more involvement for a loveable, worth living future and for peaceful community building.
The OWA jury will select - for the first time in 2008 - the laureate of the OWA who will receive a € 25.000 cash prize. The additional ONE WORLD Lifetime Achievement AWARD honours prominent persons of the ecology movement for their lifetime achievement.
The OWA is initiated and funded by Joseph Wilhelm and his pioneering German organic company Rapunzel (“35 years organic with love”).
The festive award ceremony will be a highlight at the Organic World Congress Gala Dinner in Modena, June 19th).
For more information: www.one-world-award.com
The Pig Gets Organic (June 21st)
The Formigine Castle will host an exhibition that was born in 2003. The Pig Gets Organic is a competition created to increase the value of Salami made with organic free-range pig. This exhibition is made possible thanks to collaboration of AIAB, ONAS (Salami tasters association) and ICEA. The Congress will be an occasion to go deeper into both technical and culinary aspects, and it will also be the place to award the winners of the 2008 edition.
In Carpi
Organic fashion and contemporary dance (June 16th, Piazza Martiri)
Italy’s main contemporary dance company, Aterballetto, and its choreographer and artistic director meet fashion. Mauro Bigonzetti, author of choreographies for the New York Ballet and the Stuttgart Ballet, is acclaimed in Italy and abroad. His renowned creativity meets that of one of Italy’s major contemporary stylists for a special presentation. The clothes/costumes, created expressly for the occasion, become alive and animated by the graceful bodies of Aterballetto’s dancers, creating a true performance, rather than a simple fashion show, in search of more instinctive and sensual movements.
The show will begin in the evening, on June 16th, in the breathtaking setting of Piazza Martiri in Carpi as part of the Conference on organic textile and fiber.
In Vignola
Vignola… it’s time for cherries (June 14th and 15th, historic center)
Cherries are the leading thread of this event, which for years has brought numerous tourists to Vignola, drawn by the oenogastronomic delicacies and by the typical products of the land. Strolling long the streets of the city, it will be possible to visit important monuments, such as the imposing Fortress and Barozzi’s winding staircase. A walk among the stands will be an excellent opportunity to taste and buy cherries, fresh seasonal fruit, jam, wine and many other typical products directly form the producers. And still more concerts, complemented by classic cars and Ferrari, by traveling shows, exhibitions, showcases and special commercial events.
Nature lovers may enjoy a walk along the nature path between Vignola and Modena or ride along the bicycle trail built on the old railway. From Vignola, it will be possible to go and explore the neighboring Municipality of Marano sul Panaro, and then go on towards the Apennines, until Montese or the Sassi di Roccamalatina Park. Or still, to discover the five municipalities in the Land of the Castles, their antique traditions and historic centers.
Promoters: Municipality of Vignola, Vignola Great Ideas, Route of Wines & Flavors “Cities, Cherries and Castles”, as well as local cultural, sports and recreational associations.
Music in the Fortress (June 16th, castle trenches)
A historic musical event of the Vignola summer, it renews itself each year, exploring sounds of different parts of the world. Music from Sicily, Sardinia and other Mediterranean islands will have the leading role in the 2008 edition. On June 16th, on the occasion of the Congress, the band DOUNIA will give a tribute concert to Sicily. DOUNIA blends the unique Middle Eastern vocality of Faisal Taher with original mixes of melodies, harmonies and rhythms from every corner of the Mediterranean.
This free concert starts at 9:00 pm in the picturesque castle trenches and will end the 20th edition of this successful exhibition, which will be entitled “Twanging Islands – Mediterranean Splinters”.
Promoter: Municipality of Vignola.
^top In
Spilamberto
138th Fair of St. John the Baptist (June 20th - 24th,
historic center)
It is the most important economic/cultural event in town, visited by
thousands of people interested by the array of products that are typically from
agriculture and oenogastronomy, by the local crafts and by the
high-caliber shows.
It is known everywhere as the fair of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar
because the best producers of this precious condiment get together on this
occasion. After a long tasting ritual, the Consortium awards the coveted and
prestigious Palio to the best domestic Balsamico produced in the
typical geographic areas.
Another major sector is poultry, pigeon and rabbit breeding. In fact,
breeders of national importance participate in this event, which is among the
finest in Italy.
Main events:
Organic Nocino (nut liquor) ; Solidary Banquet at Overseas
– typical and organic dishes; Lyrical Show – a courtesy of the Opera Everywhere
Association, dedicated to the Overseas association (non-profit
organization); Moving Verses – on foot and on bicycle around Spilamberto to
discover Pablo Neruda’s poetry about food; Dinner km 0 or with local products –
a multicultural dinner; Photography Exhibition on the pioneer experiences of
the 70’s in agrobiology; Organic Refreshments Station; Organic Nocino
Laboratory.
In Castelvetro
June 15th, Castle of Levizzano Rangone In the magnificent setting of Castle of Levizzano, three rendez-vous are scheduled to inaugurate the newly renovated fortress and to welcome Congress participants:
a presentation on the history and the restoration of the Castle and of
the Bishop’s chambers; a guided visit to the Castle’s Documentation Center,
which will host an exhibition of the Association for International Promotion of
Naive Arts (AIPAN); and finally, an event entitled “Jazz and Wine”, where
visitors will be able to taste Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro wine.
Promoter: Municipality of Castelvetro.
In The Province
“Concerts of the Milky Way” is a summer event that features “classical”
music concerts inside the aging rooms of the Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
production plants.
A pairing that may seem somewhat risky at first sight, yet the concept
takes its inspiration from the strong contrast between the refinement and
elegance of a concert and the simplicity and genuineness of a
Parmigiano-Reggiano aging or production room. The objective of the project is
to promote culture and to present places that are rich with our earth’s typical
values, just as the dairy farms of Emilia are.
Being its 6th edition, the exhibition has proven its
popularity with about 20 concerts per season, distributed among the provinces
in the area of production origin (Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena, Bologna).
Thanks to the collaboration of the Italian Cultural Institutes, the international
twinning started in 2007 will continue in 2008. Furthermore, Congress
participants will have the possibility to participate in one of the concerts.
Promoters: Arci Reggio Emilia, Dietro le Quinte,
Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium and interested Provinces, with the contribution
of the CCIAA and the Municipalities where participating dairy farms are
located.
|
|
