Arts and Parkinson: two morning events at the Pecci Center and Palazzo Strozzi on the occasion of World Parkinson’s Day.
Two moments of sharing and socialization involving dance, visual arts, and movement with people with Parkinson’s and their families as protagonists: over 150 participants at the Grande Hall of the Pecci Center in Prato and in the Courtyard of Palazzo Strozzi in Florence.
These were the opening days of the event “Arts and Parkinson,” organized in partnership by the Fresco Parkinson Institute Italy Onlus, Palazzo Strozzi Foundation, and the Luigi Pecci Contemporary Art Center, to celebrate World Parkinson’s Day and to foster reflection on the role of culture in promoting accessibility, individual and collective health, and art as a means to expand networks, connections, and synergies within the Tuscan territory.
After opening with activities from Dance Well and Corpo Libero, the two days featured meetings with experts from fields ranging from medicine to dance, design, and art, who exchanged ideas and knowledge with the shared goal of centering the people with Parkinson’s disease and contributing to improving their quality of life.
At the Pecci Center, through various interventions, a reflection was initiated on the theme of accessible spaces: from home to museum. This topic was addressed from different perspectives but always with attention to the individual and personal needs of people with Parkinson’s, considering their desires through bio-psycho-social approaches that integrate professionals from various disciplines. During the session moderated by Dr. Monica Norcini, research and proposals on “inclusive housing” for people with Parkinson’s and their caregivers were discussed, including innovative solutions presented by Dr. Mattia Pistolesi, designer and researcher at the Department of Architecture DIDA of the University of Florence, and occupational therapist Dr. Azzurra Begeja (covering open space solutions for homes, external stimuli like visual cues, and ergonomic tools and objects). Museums also face the challenge of accessibility for people with Parkinson’s: Veronica Carpino, a member of Studio Fosbury Architecture, presented the innovative project for the Well-being Laboratory at the Pecci Center, a space specifically designed for expressive activity workshops offered by the museum, with flexible solutions to meet the needs of everyone from ages 0 to 99; the project integrates the strategic vision on physical, cognitive, and sensory accessibility promoted by the General Director of the Pecci Center, Dr. Stefano Collicelli Cagol, through the PNRR project.
The second day took place in the Altana of Palazzo Strozzi, focusing on the impact that the arts have on our bodies and brain, from both individual and social perspectives. Dr. Enrico Grassi, neurologist at the Neurology Department of Prato Hospital, highlighted the functioning of the visual cortex both in experiencing and creating works of art, exploring the intersection of art and science where cultural experience becomes a way to regain well-being. Dr. Luisella Carnelli then continued in the morning by deepening the effects that activities like Dance Well can have on individuals, within a dynamic context where everyone can reclaim their expressive capacity. A strong connection between art and the socio-health sector emerged: both sectors are discovering new forms of collaboration, as evidenced by the growth of cultural welfare experiences and the emergence of social prescribing in Italy, as seen at Casa Parkinson in Florence, as explained by manager Dr. Paola Vanni. In this context, the Palazzo Strozzi Foundation has been committed for years to a broad accessibility program that has become part of every exhibition, demonstrating a commitment to creating an environment where all people, including those with complex conditions like Parkinson’s, can participate actively.
These two days provided an opportunity to network among three major Tuscan institutions, all dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with Parkinson’s disease through participation in stimulating artistic activities that promote creativity, participation, and sociality.