Pedagogy, art and citizenship: the second day of the International Festival ‘Generative Pedagogy and Thinking Communities’

On Thursday 7 May, the second day of the third edition of the International Festival “Generative Pedagogy and Thinking Communities”, promoted and organised by the UNESCO Chair “Generative Pedagogy and Educational Systems to Tackle Inequality” at the University of Salerno, explored the relationship between pedagogy, art, citizenship and cultural responsibility, consolidating the Festival as a space for transdisciplinary dialogue among research, education and local communities. Among the day’s most significant moments was the presentation of the “Generative Pedagogy and Thinking Communities” Award to Prof. Patrizio Bianchi, former Minister of Education and a leading figure in educational policy and regional development. The award recognised his scientific, institutional and cultural contribution to the development of educational systems aimed at social cohesion, public responsibility and the promotion of knowledge as a common good. The day continued with the presentation of Prof. Maria Grazia Lombardi’s book, which explores the themes of generative learning, guidance, and the building of ‘Thinking Communities’, in line with the theoretical and methodological perspectives developed within the field of Generative Pedagogy. Of particular significance was the contribution by Dr Maria Paola Gargiulo of the Special Commission for Combating Intolerance, Racism, Anti-Semitism and Incitement to Hatred and Violence, Senate of the Italian Republic, who offered reflections on the theme of women’s emancipation in relation to the Italian Constitution, highlighting the role of education in promoting democratic participation, recognition, and social justice.

The second day of the Festival also emphasised the dialogue between the performing arts and educational processes through a concert organised by Chronos Jazz and a theatrical performance by Salvatore Mazza, based on Anna Kuliscioff’s text Il Monopolio dell’Uomo (1890). Different artistic forms created a space for shared reflection on the themes of identity, freedom, citizenship and emancipation, confirming the role of art as an educational and cultural tool that stimulates imagination, critical thinking and participation. There was also strong participation from students, who were involved not only as audience members but also as active participants in the Festival’s organisational, communicative and cultural processes. The creation of ‘Thinking Communities’ is achieved through participatory and generative practices that bring together universities, young people, local areas, and educational communities. During the day, scientific and institutional networks among academics, professionals, cultural organisations, and local stakeholders were further strengthened, consolidating the Festival as a cultural infrastructure dedicated to the public dissemination of knowledge and the development of shared educational processes. The second day of the Festival thus confirmed the centrality of pedagogy as a field of knowledge that weaves together culture, art, citizenship, and collective responsibility, promoting forms of learning aimed at emancipation and social transformation.