Reggio Emilia

Reggio Emilia is a historic industrial city known as one of Italy's strongest communist and anti-fascist centers, the birthplace of the Tricolore flag, and the origin of the internationally influential Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education.

Reggio Emilia, nestled in the heart of Emilia-Romagna, is a city steeped in history and a strong cultural identity. From Renaissance influences from nearby cities to the region's culinary traditions, such as Parmigiano Reggiano, balsamic vinegar from Modena and Reggio, and even the local claim to fame of tiramisù, Reggio Emilia exudes authenticity and craftsmanship. Artists like Parmigianino from neighboring Parma underscore the long tradition of creativity and refinement rooted in this region.

A city of resistance and resilience

During World War II, Reggio Emilia played a crucial role in the Italian resistance. The region boasted numerous factories and workshops where workers organized to fight against fascism and oppression. The iconic partisan song "Bella Ciao" is often associated with this region and its working-class culture. The history of Reggio Emilia is inextricably linked to stories of workers' struggles, courageous rebels, and faith in a just society.

Diversity as a driver for progress

After the war, Reggio Emilia blossomed into a vibrant, progressive city with a strong social tradition. The influx of immigrants from various countries played a central role in building the local economy and culture. Today, we see a city that unites modernity and tradition, where international communities contribute to the social fabric and where education, art, and collaboration are central. It's no wonder that Reggio Emilia is known worldwide for its innovative approach to education and community development. SAMA feels a strong connection to Reggio Emilia, thanks in part to the STAR program, which Reggio Emilia helped establish.

STAR

SAMA has committed itself to the region through the European collaborative project STAR ( STAR 2.0 ) (2019–2022), in which the Municipality of Reggio Emilia was a partner. This project focused on the use of street art as a tool to promote social inclusion, stimulate intercultural dialogue, and revitalize vacant or neglected urban areas. This connection has made the city of Reggio Emilia not only a location but also a strategic partner in strengthening communities through art, participation and urban renewal.

In addition, as part of the follow-up phase STAR 2.0, SAMA launched a toolkit aimed at youth workers and young people to use street art as a means of self-expression, collaboration, and social engagement. The choice of the Reggio Emilia region aligns perfectly with this: the region has a strong tradition of participatory work, cultural collaboration, and urban expertise. These are qualities that SAMA considers essential for a meaningful impact. Through this collaboration, SAMA aims to contribute to the development of a more inclusive, creative, and resilient society. A society in which local communities in regions like Reggio Emilia also play their part in the urban landscape.

In November of this year, the STAR 2.0 curriculum pilot program will also begin in Reggio Emilia. During this pilot, local youth workers, young people, and cultural partners will be invited to put the methodology into practice. Reggio Emilia will serve as a living learning environment: a place where theory, urban reality, and community strength converge. The insights from this phase will be used to further refine and roll out the program. For more information about this program, please visit our website: STAR 2.0 .

Refactory Communication

During our visit to Reggio Emilia, we met the enthusiastic team members of ReFactory Communication: Anna Fornaciari and Anastasia Fontanesi. In 2016, they founded ReFactory Communication in Reggio Emilia, a communication studio specializing in culture and tourism projects. With their background in copywriting, social media and web creation, they are committed to making art, design and street art visible in public spaces and within urban transformations.

Their work has recently focused primarily on supporting street art initiatives in the region. They highlight the stories behind murals, engage local communities, and connect international artists with Reggio Emilia's industrial and cultural landscape. For example, in the former factory sites that now serve as open-air studios for street art. Anna and Anastasia emphasize that street art is not merely a visual intervention, but a social tool: "We want walls to tell stories: of workers, of migrants, of urban renewal."

Their Instagram account @travelonart has 35,000 followers and serves as an inspiring platform for street art, culture, and travel experiences. Founders Anna and Anastasia regularly share images of urban artworks, murals, and hidden gems.

The style on the page is visually strong and authentic: from close-ups of colorful murals to interactive reels that focus on artworks and their creators.

Nora

This week we also met Nora Basenghi, a 22-year-old language enthusiast from Scandiano, a small town near Reggio Emilia. Nora recently graduated in Foreign Languages and Literature from the University of Bologna, where she specialized in linguistics, including Dutch and German language and culture. After graduating, she decided to take a gap year to explore her future career, and it was precisely during this journey that her paths crossed with Anna's.

Through Silvia, Nora's mother, who collaborates with Anna on the STAR 2.0 project in Reggio Emilia, the two met during a relaxed evening over a glass of wine. What began as a spontaneous introduction blossomed into a unique opportunity: Anna invited Nora to come to Amsterdam for a few months and work at the Street Art Museum Amsterdam (SAMA).

Nora is looking forward to combining her language skills with a new creative experience. She's curious about the world of street art and wants to discover how art can contribute to social connection, education, and urban development. At the same time, she's looking forward to exploring Amsterdam: its canals, museums, and culture. And, of course, to the personal growth this journey will bring. As she says: "A new perspective is exactly what I need to shape my future."