‘Splendor of Florence, Sott’Acqua: A Tale of Two Cities Underwater’ Festival to Address Climate Change in Providence and Florence

The ‘Splendor of Florence, Sott’Acqua: A Tale of Two Cities Underwater’ Festival, taking place from November 9 to 17, aims to raise awareness about climate change while connecting Florence, Italy, and Providence, Rhode Island, through a series of educational events focused on their histories of significant flooding. With a variety of discussions, screenings, and artistic showcases planned, the festival underscores the importance of community resilience and proactive climate action.

The upcoming festival, ‘Splendor of Florence, Sott’Acqua: A Tale of Two Cities Underwater,’ scheduled from November 9 to 17, will bring together the cities of Florence, Italy, and Providence, Rhode Island, to raise awareness of climate change through a series of impactful events. This initiative focuses on historical floods that caused significant devastation in both locations, particularly Florence’s catastrophic flood in 1966 and Hurricane Carol’s severe impact on Providence in 1954, which resulted in substantial property losses and catastrophic flooding. Organized by Joyce Acciaioli Rudge, founder, and creative director of Splendor of Florence, the festival aims to elevate public consciousness regarding climate issues. “With catastrophic climate events rising, I hope that the programs during Splendor of Florence will elevate our awareness of climate change, and perhaps, even motivate action,” stated Ms. Rudge. Participants will gain insight into climate vulnerabilities through community discussions, documentary screenings, expert panels, and interactive exhibits, showcasing the collaboration between both cities—reaffirming a 25-year friendship pact. The festival highlights artistic endeavors with events like opera master classes and art installations at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), alongside essential discussions on workforce training in relation to climate resilience.

The festival aims to address the urgent issue of climate change, illustrating the shared vulnerabilities faced by cities like Florence and Providence that have experienced severe flooding incidents in their histories. Hurricane Carol, striking Rhode Island in 1954, is remembered as a significant natural disaster that left Providence submerged under twelve feet of water, while Florence endured its own historical flood in 1966. By uniting these two cities through cultural exchange, the festival seeks to educate the public about the rising threat of climate change and promote action toward preparedness and resilience.

The ‘Splendor of Florence, Sott’Acqua: A Tale of Two Cities Underwater’ Festival serves as a crucial educational platform to illuminate the impacts of climate change while fostering international friendship and cultural exchange. With a diverse range of events planned, the festival aspires to inspire proactive approaches toward climate resilience and awareness in both communities.

Original Source: ecori.org