Marinella Senatore
We Rise by Lifting Others

How can art counter the social divisions of our times? How can we create communities that are founded on equal opportunities, inclusion, and empowerment? The highly renowned artist Marinella Senatore (1977 Cava dei Tirreni, IT – Rome, IT) addresses these and other similar questions. She is an artist, activist, and teacher, and one of the most important protagonists in a young global movement committed to art that is based on social participation and collaboration. Hitherto more than eight million people in twenty-four countries have taken part in her projects.

The Generali Foundation Collection—Permanent Loan to the Museum der Moderne Salzburg and Museum VILLA STUCK in Munich compiled the largest exhibition of Senatore’s work to this date as a project in two chapters, which were on show simultaneously as a connecting force between these two cities. These shows provided an overview of the artist’s entire work, with new works and works from the past fifteen years—participatory installations, films, and audio plays that were made as collaborative projects, light installations, neon sculptures, photographs, drawings, collages, paintings, textiles, and also a new staging of one of Senatore’s key projects, The School of Narrative Dance.

As a highlight both in Salzburg and Munich, a large parade was developed with local individuals and groups in the framework of The School of Narrative Dance, and celebrated as a poetic festival of community, with dance, music, singing, and other performances.

In all her works and projects, Senatore addresses the public in an open and accessible manner and as an emotional, social, and political entity. In order to create a framework that ensures openness and diversity, she brings together different artistic languages, media, and disciplines. Her projects include collective cultural practices such as parades, as well as strategies and practices from activism and social movements.

Museum der Moderne Salzburg
Exhibition: April 22 – October 8, 2023
Curator: Jürgen Tabor
The School of Narrative Dance, Salzburg, in cooperation with SZENE Salzburg
Parade on June 24, 2023, Salzburg old town

Museum VILLA STUCK, Munich
Exhibition: May 4 – September 10, 2023
Curator: Helena Pereña
The School of Narrative Dance, Munich
Parade on July 23, 2023