The project “Young Sculptors… in Europe” was presented in 2013 to the Lombardy Region and received funding under Law 9/1993 for the promotion of cultural initiatives.
It was part of a broader vision developed as early as 2011, on the occasion of the centenary of the Altare della Patria—the monument to Vittorio Emanuele II in Rome—entirely built in Botticino marble and created with the contribution of skilled workers from the local production sector.
On that occasion, dialogue among local stakeholders from different fields (local authorities, academies, training institutions, and business associations) led to the shared intention of developing a comprehensive vision capable of taking shape as a medium- to long-term project aimed at young European artists. The goal was to enhance artistic marble carving and sculpture as a means of cultural exchange and integration.
The “Young Sculptors… in Europe” program included a set of coordinated actions specifically designed to promote sculpture and artistic marble carving as a vehicle for sharing experiences, as a language for European integration, and as a means of promoting the excellence of Botticino marble in view of Expo 2015.
This system of actions was conceived starting from an analysis of the local context and conditions, identifying both strengths and critical aspects in order to support a coherent project focused on enhancing youth creativity linked to marble carving. For the implementation of this project, an agreement was signed with the Escuela de Arte C.E.J.A. Granada.