U.S. EMBASSY TO THE HOLY SEE AND THE COMMUNITY OF SANT’EGIDIO’S ART LAB TOGETHER TO SUPPORT AND ADVANCE
DIVERSITY, INCLUSION, AND PROTECTION OF VULNERABLE GROUPS
ROME (May 26, 2023) – This month, the U.S. Tri-Mission – the Embassies to the Holy See, Italy, and the UN Food Security Agencies – were honored to host Sant’Egidio Art Lab masterpieces in our own Embassy gallery. The Sant’Egidio Art Lab began in 1985 to meet the educational needs of people living with disabilities who were unable to fully access the world of art.
Over the past four decades, artists of all abilities and backgrounds have honed their techniques and deepened their creative, innovative skills at the Art Lab, as they explored topics meaningful to them. Their work is beautiful, compelling, and challenges viewers to rethink their perceptions.
- Both @usinholysee and @sant.egidio shared stories and videos about this project using the hashtag #USinHolySeeLovesArtLab, and featuring some of the artists, who told their stories and explained their art: https://www.instagram.com/p/CsGS6OcoHNU/ https://www.instagram.com/p/CsTtLRsIy4a/ https://www.instagram.com/p/CsY0LHCoLFG/ https://www.instagram.com/p/CslqkR6IAzU/ https://www.instagram.com/reel/CsssjquOYEp/? utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
- On May 22, the U.S. Embassy to the Holy See hosted a reception in honor of the artists. At the event, addressing the audience – including other Ambassadors to the Holy See – Ambassador Donnelly said that: “Art is an integral part of the American experience. Since the birth of our nation, the arts have both mirrored and inspired our culture, and united people of diverse backgrounds and across the political spectrum. Visual arts like these on display remind us that we are all part of a common human experience – one that crosses borders, encompasses all abilities, and celebrates creative expression. The themes of this exhibition speak to the passion and resilience of people who embrace life and strive for meaningful connection. I am proud of the strong friendship our Embassy has with Sant’Egidio and with some of the Art Lab’s talented artists.”
- Also, on May 25 Ambassador Donnelly and Embassy staff visited the Art Lab: “We are honored to host Sant’Egidio Art Lab artists in our own Embassy gallery. Throughout the month of May, I have loved walking through the gallery and enjoying the art on display. Each piece is special. Your work is beautiful, compelling, and challenges viewers to rethink our perceptions. The United States stands with you and Sant’Egidio in support of people of all abilities and backgrounds. Art reminds us that we are all part of a common human experience,” said Ambassador Donnelly.
Please reach out to U.S. Embassy to the Holy See – Public Diplomacy section or Community of Sant’Egidio Press Office if you’d like to talk with the artists:
Chiara Di Mizio, Public Engagement Specialist [email protected]; [email protected] +39.335.1835893
Community of Sant’Egidio Press Office [email protected] +39.06.585661
