For five days, SpazioY hosted the ECOARTLAB, a series of workshops dedicated to sustainable art, open to young people, artists, and the community of Quadraro, a historic neighborhood in Rome. The initiative was developed within the European project E ART, with the aim of experimenting with low-impact artistic practices while at the same time strengthening community bonds.
Guided by artists Giulia Apice and Veronica Neri, participants had the chance to explore innovative techniques of reuse and material transformation: from recovering decaying flowers, to reusing textiles, to eco-printing with natural elements such as turmeric and baking soda, up to the collective creation of a large-scale artwork entirely hand-sewn. The very act of stitching together personal sheets—each transformed by individual artistic techniques—became a gesture of collectivity, unity, and reflection on building possible futures rooted in shared resources, collective hopes, and environmental sustainability. A Palestinian flag crowns the large drape, as a sign of solidarity with peoples facing the grip of occupation and dehumanization.
Each day was a moment of exchange and reflection on the relationship between humans and the environment. The workshops represented not only a space for practical learning, but also an opportunity for intergenerational and intercultural dialogue, where personal experiences intertwined with artistic expression.
The journey culminated in the creation of a 7 x 6 meter collective artwork, embodying stories, hopes, and shared processes: a tangible symbol of the transformative power of community art and creativity when it meets sustainability.
Curated by Giulia Fornari, the ECOARTLAB demonstrated how artistic practice can become a tool for environmental awareness, inclusion, and social innovation, leaving a concrete mark on the community and inspiring new forms of participation.
