Current Projects (2007-8)
FLORENCE: An apprenticeship program for the artisans of the Oltrarno neighborhood of Florence. Economic changes in Florence, fueled by the tremendous rise of mass tourism, have put serious pressure on the silversmiths, woodworkers, paper makers, and other traditional craftsmen who have defined the Oltrarno as a center of Italian artisanship for more than a century. In conversations with many of these artisans, with whom Context Florence works as part of their walking seminars there, we discovered that their difficulty in keeping apprentices longterm who can learn these crafts and eventually become masters in their own right poses a serious threat to the existence of these artisans, their work, and Florence. Beginning in 2008 we will be funding part of the salary of one apprentice in a woodworking shop that has resided in Piazza Santo Spirito for more than 100 years.
ROME: Study and promotion of Ostia Antica outside of Rome. The ancient Roman town of Ostia is often overshadowed by Pompeii. However, for travelers to Rome it really makes better sense to visit this equally important site instead of making such a long (and fossil-fuel consuming) trip to Naples. Working with the Rome-based American Institute for Roman Culture, we are supporting a series of projects in Ostia, including measured drawings of its buildings and promotion of it as a more sustainable destination for Rome travelers than Pompeii.
VENICE: Study of the effects of tourism on Venice. Tourism poses a dire threat to Venice, both to its environment and to its social fabric. On the first point, the wake from cruise ships, daunting garbage management issues, and pollution of various types have a serious impact on a city that is already in a fragile state. On the second point, as tourists and tourism-focused enterprises crowd out the Venetian population, the city faces losing its identity through demographic shifts. Working with the UK charity Venice in Peril, we are financing a major study of the effect of tourism on Venice by noted ecologist, Venice resident, and Context Venice docent Jane da Mosto, which promises to bring into full relief the challenges facing this city and chart a roadmap for its preservation.
USA: Travel fellowship for economically disadvantaged youths Working with the innovative St. HOPE, which has transformed the inner-city community of Oak Park, Sacramento and established a new standard for public education and economic revitalization of urban communities in the U.S., we sponsor a yearly travel fellowship for a high-achieving student. The fellowship includes travel and accommodations in Europe, plus a week-long study trip with the scholars in the Context network. The program is intensive and includes six days of seminars, classes, workshops, and other programs, capped by a writing project. The first student for 2008 has been selected and will arrive in Rome in August.