Month: October 2024

The Stacy Francis Foundation has launched an innovative pilot project aimed at merging art and education to raise awareness among young people about contemporary social issues.

In October 2024, in conjunction with the exhibition of artist Alex Righetto, The Metamorphosis of Romeo and Juliet, at the Palazzo della Gran Guardia in Verona, a series of workshops and seminars were organized for local students.

The purpose of these events is to raise awareness about hyper-individualism and social alienation, which are particularly prevalent among Generation Z and are frequently aggravated by excessive use of technology.

The foundation, born from Stacy Francis‘s commitment to the future of young people, aims to promote initiatives that combine art and education to create a lasting impact on people’s lives.

Her projects, such as Romeo and Juliet: The Metamorphosis, encourage critical and creative reflection on human relationships, community spirit, and responsible use of technology.

Alex Righetto recently consolidated his international reputation with two significant solo exhibitions in 2024. In July, he showcased his work at Windsor Castle in the United Kingdom, collaborating with the Oppo Foundation.

This event was a meaningful opportunity to share his artistic vision in a prestigious setting. Following that, in October, Righetto brought The Metamorphosis of Romeo and Juliet to Verona, at the Palazzo della Gran Guardia, located in front of the historic Piazza Bra.

These exhibitions provided an important platform for Righetto, allowing the public to immerse themselves in his works and reflect on current issues through visual art.

The project The Metamorphosis of Romeo and Juliet was first presented at Miami Art Basel 2021 and is inspired by the famous story of the two lovers from Verona. Through visual art, Righetto explores the theme of human relationships in an era marked by the growing dependence on digital devices and social isolation. The exhibition aims to bridge the past and the present, reinterpreting the tragic Shakespearian tale to discuss the nature of connections in modern society, where individualism often prevails over the sense of community.

The project involved approximately 400-500 young people, from kindergarten to middle school students, from five different schools. These workshops and seminars gave the youth the opportunity to explore the themes of art and human relationships in an interactive and engaging way. In just the first 15 days of the exhibition, more than 2,600 people visited, highlighting the strong interest in the activities offered.

A teacher shared her experience, expressing gratitude for the project’s emotional impact:

“I thank Alex for this special moment, for the work done with the primary school students, and for making a 20-year-old girl who generally doesn’t get emotional, tear up during the explanation of a painting. Thank you.”

The central theme of the exhibition is the search for genuine connections in a society that tends to hinder direct human contact. Today, the dominance of social media and digital platforms offers young people countless interaction options, but these virtual methods often fail to replace the value of face-to-face relationships. The exhibition and related workshops organized by Righetto aim to help participants rediscover the importance of personal relationships and human contact, educating young people and their parents to make conscious choices about technology use.

The Stacy Francis Foundation played a fundamental role in supporting and funding the initiative, firmly believing in the importance of educating new generations. Through the project, the foundation aims to raise awareness among young people and their families about the risks of social isolation and the overuse of social media while promoting activities that encourage a culture of human contact and solidarity. Thanks to Stacy Francis’s vision, the foundation is committed to expanding this educational and cultural project to reach an increasing number of young people and communities worldwide.

The foundation is looking for partners in Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States to expand this educational and artistic project. With the aim of creating a global network, the Stacy Francis Foundation seeks to collaborate with schools, bookstores, and other organizations that share a commitment to quality artistic and social education.

An important step towards the project’s expansion will be the publication of a book that will collect love stories inspired by the theme of The Metamorphosis of Romeo and Juliet. In addition, the exhibition will offer a digital experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the works through interactive multimedia content. A world tour and new workshops are also planned, which will visit various cities and engage students and audiences of all ages.

Involving young people in artistic education projects is vital, as loneliness and a lack of support significantly impact youth mental health. Research shows that young adults experience mental health issues at notably high rates, with approximately 36% of individuals aged 18 to 25 reporting struggles like depression or anxiety. Tragically, this also contributes to increased rates of suicide and substance abuse. For instance, suicide rates among adolescents have surged, linked to factors like social isolation and digital exposure, with studies revealing that more than half of teenagers have experienced serious mental health concerns over the last decade.

Art-based projects can offer a valuable outlet for young people, providing creative expression and fostering resilience and community connections. These initiatives create safe spaces that counteract isolation, support emotional well-being, and strengthen community ties across generations. Engaging with the arts can play a role in addressing mental health and substance use risks while promoting a more cohesive, supportive environment for youth development .

The Stacy Francis Foundation invites everyone who believes in the value of art and education to support this initiative. Donations will be used to fund further workshops, expand educational programs, and reach an increasing number of young people. Every contribution, big or small, can make a difference in promoting a more empathetic and conscious culture.

The challenge of social alienation among young people is a reality that requires attention and concrete actions. Through The Metamorphosis of Romeo and Juliet project, the Stacy Francis Foundation is committed to using art as a means to raise awareness and educate the new generations. Under the leadership of Stacy Francis, art becomes a tool for social change, capable of bringing people closer and strengthening human bonds. To make a donation and learn more about how to support the foundation, visit this link: www.stacyfrancisfoundation.com