Across the Strait, the project “Invisible Mediterranean(s)”, now in its fourth edition, continues its path of approaching the “hidden power”, the concealed character of the territory.

From local detail to an overall vision: this year’s journey brings together the coastline with the inland plains and ridge lines, in a representation of a narrative and emotional geography that defines an environment of extraordinary landscape intensity, such as to constitute one of the greatest natural works of art in the Mediterranean.

With the 2021 journey, Invisible Mediterranean(s) aims to affirm and demonstrate that the effects of the pandemic crisis are leading to a reconfiguration of relations between the North and the South of the country, and that this is the time for a resurgence through the vast potential of the invisible South. Each stop will exemplify the selected references: Masseria Acton in Cannavà, Seminara, Diga del Menta in Roccaforte del Greco, the former U.S.Air Force base of Monte Nardello, in the heart of Aspromonte, Fiumara Gallico and Fiumara Sant’Agata on the Calabrian side; Rada di San Francesco, Porto Tremestieri, Sacrario di Cristo Re on the Sicilian side.

The themes of the journey, – Rebirth, Matter, Geography with the three water lines – ridge line, plain line, coastline – which will be developed during talks and discussions, are combined with actions/challenges – Begin, Respect, Manage, Monitor, Design, Govern – according to a matrix that also serves as a key for interpreting the exploration and as a foundation for future commitments.

In previous editions, Alfonso Femia and his team initiated an intense exchange of ideas with local public administrations, councillors, and mayors of the municipalities involved in the exploration. In the 2021 edition, the dialogue continues with the mayors and councillors of the metropolitan cities of Reggio Calabria and Messina. During the conversations, the research directions of the Invisible Mediterranean(s) project will be addressed and shared.

Guests include, in addition to representatives of public administrations, anthropologist Patrizia Giancotti, Mario Mega (President of the Port System Authority of the Strait), Antonio Tramontana (President of the Chamber of Commerce of Reggio Calabria), Maria Teresa Morano (coordinator of antiracket associations in Calabria), Francesco Miceli (President of CNAPPC).

On the eve of the 2020 edition, which went ahead despite the pandemic, Alfonso Femia stated that the meaning of things had changed and that it was time to imagine the future of the South in a different way.

A year later, with the virus being brought under control thanks to vaccines and with access to significance resources made available by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, the goal of Invisible Mediterranean(s) is to reflect on how it may be possible to seize the opportunity to transform the Strait from invisible to international.