Italy Forms It’s First Ever International Art Rescue Team
In February, the UN began developments on a program for a cultural initiative titled “Blue Helmets for Culture” – an unprecedented move. On April 29th, the task force of 31 volunteer art rescue experts (historians, scholars, restorers of the Central Institute of Restoration in Rome and the Opificio delle Pietre Dure in Florence) were graduating after an intensive and unique training program. The concept behind this movement is to protect the world cultural heritage that is in danger of being destroyed.
Lynda Albertson, head of the Association for Research into Crimes against Art (ARCA) and longtime champion of this cause, wrote about the origins of the project in a recent article.
“These experts – all volunteers – will be working under terribly tough conditions,” said Brigadier General Mariano Mossa, commander of the Carabinieri charged with protecting Italy’s cultural heritage. “They must not become targets for vendetta.” For this reason, their names or photographs will not be released. “Anyone who tends to the cultural heritage, representing the public administration, does not do it for money. It’s the work itself that is enriching,” said one of the volunteers. “In our sector, passion and the spirit of service on behalf of the community are what matters — the sense of knowing that we are contributing to help recreate the cultural identity of a people stricken by calamity.”
The graduation of the training course took place during a recent ceremony. Culture Minister Dario Franceschini, the national head of the paramilitary Carabinieri General Tullio Del Sette, Premier Matteo Renzi, and Education Minister Stefania Giannini all participated.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) will work in tandem with the Italian government to provide funding and training. The pioneers of this team coming from Italy “confirms to just what extent our country is a great cultural power,” said Renzi.
– Ben Jacob
