Welcome

This exhibition was born from the desire to tell a story of humanity, resistance, and hope through the art of photography. The images on display were captured during a clown mission in Palestine in 2018, an experience that profoundly touched those who had the honor of participating. The faces you will encounter in these photographs belong to Palestinian boys and girls who, despite living in a context marked by difficulty and oppression, still manage to embrace lightness and joy, fundamental elements for personal well-being and growth.

The title of the exhibition, "Red Noses for Palestine," reflects the symbolic power of this simple accessory, which, even in the most challenging contexts, becomes an instrument of peace and resilience, capable of bringing a ray of light into the darkest places. This exhibition is not just an aesthetic exploration, but an emotional and visual journey that transforms into an act of testimony: each photograph on display not only captures a face but also tells stories of strength and dignity, revealing a humanity that opposes the harshness of a situation that Nelson Mandela did not hesitate to define as apartheid.

Over time, the situation in Palestine has only worsened, leading to the current context where even children have become targets and victims of a colonial madness that the international community either cannot or does not want to stop due to political and economic calculations.

Exhibition Objectives

The exhibition is not only intended to raise awareness about the current situation in Palestine but has as its primary goal the collection of funds to support the Alrowwad Cultural and Arts Society, a cultural center located in the Aida refugee camp in Bethlehem. This center is an invaluable resource for the children and youth of the camp, offering them an opportunity to express themselves and grow through art and culture. The work of Alrowwad is a beacon of light in an environment marked by oppression, transforming anger and pain into creativity and hope, and providing the youth with an education, a fundamental tool for the emancipation of any people. We invite you to visit their social pages or website to fully understand the importance of this center and the work they do every day. (https://www.alrowwad.org/en/; https://www.facebook.com/alrowwadorg)

In a world saturated with information, it is easy to lose touch with realities we do not directly experience. This exhibition seeks to bridge that gap.

Exhibition Location and Opening Hours

The exhibition is hosted at the "Ex Mattatoio," located in Piazza del Popolo in Fontecchio. The choice of this location was not accidental: the square has always represented the beating heart of every community, a symbol of meeting, dialogue, and communal life. The doors of the space will remain open at all hours throughout the duration of the exhibition, making it effectively an extension of the square itself, accessible at any time.

This decision to keep the doors always open is not only practical but also symbolic: in a world where borders and checkpoints divide people, this exhibition aims to open spaces, create connections, and break down barriers. The exhibition is therefore accessible at any time until Saturday 21st September, offering everyone the opportunity, and also the responsibility, to enter, explore, and be touched by the stories these photographs tell.

Silent Auction Participation

All the photographs on display are for sale, and each image is part of a silent auction, an elegant and discreet way to raise funds to support the Alrowwad Cultural and Arts Society. You can participate in the auction either directly on-site by filling out the appropriate paper form or remotely: each work will be accompanied by a number and a QR code that will allow you to participate in the auction online, by making a bid or raising an existing bid. Simply scan the code with your smartphone, and you can access the dedicated page (https://www.unitedfontecchio.art/nasirossipalestina).

This system allows you to contribute significantly and directly to Alrowwad's work, regardless of where you are, and to monitor the progress of bids without having to be constantly present on-site. The auctions will close at 8:00 p.m. on September 21st during the closing event.

Interactive Corner and Donations

For those who wish to participate actively, we have set up an interactive corner where you can leave a message of solidarity, a personal reflection, or take a photo wearing a red nose, the symbol of this exhibition, perhaps to share and give even more visibility to the project. The red noses are available in a basket and can be taken in exchange for a voluntary donation. Every contribution, big or small, will help the Alrowwad Cultural and Arts Society to continue their valuable work.

You can make your donation in cash by depositing it in the designated box or by making a bank transfer using the reference "Red Noses for Palestine" to IBAN IT42T0103003600000063369570, in the name of Luca De Julis.

Acknowledgments

We sincerely thank the Municipality of Fontecchio for making this exhibition possible, and especially you, the visitors, who with your presence and contribution will help bring hope and support to a community that continues to fight for a better future.

We invite you to explore the photographs calmly, to be touched by the stories they tell, and to reflect on the power of art as a tool for change. Thank you for being here, for supporting a cause that is deeply close to our hearts and we invite you to share to involve as many people as possible.