In a ceremony organised at his Residence, the Ambassador of Italy in Sarajevo Marco Di Ruzza awarded Claudia Zini, Director of Kuma International Center for Visual Arts from Post-Conflict Societies, the honour of Cavaliere dell'Ordine della Stella d'Italia, conferred on her by the President of the Republic at the proposal of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
Founded by Dr. Zini, Kuma International has made arts education a tool to explore and address the profound impact of war and genocide on Bosnian-Herzegovinian society. With the aim of contributing to the processes of reconciliation and healing, since 2018 Kuma has been organising annual summer schools, seminars, study tours and training programmes mainly related to art and architecture, involving young people from Italy, Bosnia and Herzegovina and around the world. Over the years, these activities have been complemented by the publication of books, the production of documentary films and new music workshops related to the theme of migration.
Through art, Kuma promotes reflection in contexts marked by the trauma of conflict, using the power of artistic expression not only as a tool to process the past and foster social cohesion, but also to promote knowledge of Bosnia Herzegovina, its past and the preservation of its historical memory.
Dr. Zini - an art historian with a PhD from the Courtauld Institute of Art in London - has built solid bridges between prominent Bosnian-Herzegovinian and Italian cultural realities, regularly supporting the Embassy's cultural promotion activities and distinguishing herself for her professionalism and dedication.
"This important recognition," Ambassador Di Ruzza emphasised, "certainly does not come by chance. Our cultural diplomacy can boast a remarkable 'unifying power' in a society such as that of Bosnia Herzegovina, still divided by persistent ethnic-religious fault lines. Italian culture can therefore put itself at the service of reconciliation and social cohesion processes, looking especially at the youngest, who are essential to the country's European path. An inspiring criterion that is fully in line with Claudia's commitment - the commitment of a lifetime, we can certainly say -'.
For her part, Dr Zini commented: 'Receiving this award is an immense honour. This honour represents not only my work, but also that of all the people who have made the success of Kuma International possible. This recognition motivates us even more to continue our mission, expanding our programmes to reach out to new communities and contexts that share similar stories of trauma and reconstruction. We will continue to create opportunities for reflection through art, promoting understanding, dialogue and reconciliation between people".
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
