HUMAN LIBRARY - Farm Cultural Park

Last week, I had one of the most incredible experiences of my life as a book in the Living Library at farmculturalpark.com. As a video artist and co-director of SOU Farm Cultural Park, a school of architecture for children, I was able to share my story and connect with a diverse group of amazing people.

The Living Library is an interactive exhibit that allows visitors to speak with "books," or real people, and learn about their experiences and perspectives. As a book in the library, I had the opportunity to speak with visitors of all ages and backgrounds, and one topic that was repeated in each of my conversations was change. Each of the people I spoke to was going through a change in their lives and making important life-changing decisions with hope and love.

Many of the visitors I spoke with were in the midst of making big changes in their lives, such as starting a new business, choosing what to study in college, moving to back to Sicily or deciding to stay despite the economic crisis, or starting a new passion. They shared with me their fears and doubts but also their hope and excitement for the future. It was truly inspiring to hear about their journeys and to see the strength and resilience they possessed.

One thing that struck me about these conversations was the sense of hope and love that was present in each person's story. Despite the challenges they were facing, each person had a sense of hope and optimism about their future. They spoke about the love they had for themselves, their families and friends, and the world around them.

As a co-director of SOU Farm Cultural Park, I was also able to share my experience with this amazing architecture school for children. The school is the brainchild of Florinda Saieva and Andrea Bartoli, who have worked tirelessly to create a place where children can learn about architecture (social architecture, too), art, creative freedom, and sustainability in a fun and engaging way. And the topic of change was also present in this context, as the children are exposed to new ways of thinking and creating, as well as new ways of living and interacting with the environment.

Overall, my experience as a book in the Living Library was one of the most beautiful and meaningful experiences of my life. I am grateful to Farm Cultural Park and the organizers of the Living Library for creating a place and time of connection, creation, and community, where the topic of change is always present and discussed with hope and love. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy and understanding in today's world.

Human connection is the best asset we have.

Photos: Santo Eduardo Di Miceli & Ricky Culmone Filmmaker