Abstract
Pathways for community engagement are formed when we slow down for flanerie and create meaningful connections. French poet Boudelaire described flanerie as a state of being where one goes around and discovers. Professor Alessandra Landini from University of Modena and Reggio Emilia helps us discover meaningful connections when a public space like a museum collaborates with their neighborhood school. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Landini and her school community relocated to the town public Museum’s Palace, in Reggio Emilia, Italy. Her community partnership sustained the education program. Everything like food and resources followed her and children. The pandemic is over, but partnership between museum and school remains. In the tradition of the atelier, artistic and cultural expression in childhood is enhanced when professionals have resources. Entities outside of Reggio Emilia schools support early childhood education in this region of Italy. Many community-based programs exist in Emilia-Romagna that have meaningful contributions for professionals working with young children. It is nearly impossible to separate education from the community context in Reggio Emilia when wondering if you can bottle up this magic. When you come to Reggio Emilia it is only natural to wonder how you can take some of this magic home with you. Erica Jong wrote, “What is the fatal charm of Italy? What do we find there that can be found nowhere else? I believe it is a certain permission to be human.” Our session will share the charm of interconnectivity in an Italian community-based setting. Flanerie!
Presenters
Alessandra LandiniPh.D., University of Modena and Reggio Emilia Marisa Macy
John P. Ellbogen Foundation Professor of Early Childhood Education, School of Teacher Education, University of Wyoming, Wyoming, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
2023 Special Focus—Museum Transformations: Pathways to Community Engagement
KEYWORDS
Accessible Communities, Social Inclusion, Case Study, Art Museum, Museo Civica
