Mantova Madonnari Oppose Fiera delle Grazie Entry Fee

Laila CincinelliCURTATONE. The Mantova Madonnari Association is once again stepping into the field and preparing its offensive against the municipal administration’s decision to charge an entry fee for the Fiera delle Grazie. To prevent the spirit of the event from being destroyed, the A.M.I. is calling on all street artists to gather support from the public in the squares where they will work.

“Pay to see the madonnari? No, thank you!!” This is the motto of the A.M.I., which is challenging the administration. “For nearly thirty years, the Grazie gathering has made headlines worldwide –” states Nedo Consoli, president of the Madonnari Association “– because it is among the most interesting events held internationally.”

However, for the past two years, the fair has faced attacks that threaten its regular course and diminish its traditional nature. From an annual event gathering artists from around the world, “some misguided minds –” continues Consoli, “– have turned it into a painting contest.”

As a result, the madonnari have distanced themselves from the event to make room for painters, academics, and professional brush artists. However, the goal of the A.M.I. is to promote and defend the folk art of the madonnari, in full harmony with a circular from the Ministry of Cultural Heritage to mayors throughout Italy.

The circular classifies chalk art as “a folk art to be preserved” and encourages mayors to facilitate its practice by granting access to public land. “The madonnaro is an ephemeral, spontaneous art, an immediate spectacle. It is the true protagonist, a heritage of the entire Mantuan community.”

After attacks on the foundations of their artistic expression, Consoli also laments the insult of being confined within a fenced area and having to pay an entry fee to be seen; but “our life choice, artistic and cultural –” he explains, “– cannot accept that. We have stepped out of galleries and museums to be among people, bringing our works freely.”

For these reasons, the A.M.I. is requesting a meeting with the president of the province, Tiziana Gualtieri, and promoting discussions with Mantuan parliamentarians and cultural figures.