The Philippone Collection, FIDAPA's appeal: "Return an art treasure to the city"

The FIDAPA BPW Italy branch of Cammarata – San Giovanni Gemini expresses its regret and concern over the temporary absence of the Philippone Collection from the former Collegio dei Filippini in Agrigento. The 22 works by Giovanni Philippone, donated in 2013 by the artist's family to the Municipality of Agrigento, were housed in what had been their natural exhibition space for years.

The Collection represents a cultural and artistic heritage of great value to the community, not only for its connection to the artist's Agrigento origins, but also for the international recognition his work has received. Giovanni Philippone, appreciated by critics and intellectuals such as Leonardo Sciascia, has successfully portrayed through his paintings a luminous and intense Sicily, rooted in the island's deepest identity.

FIDAPA proudly recalls its participation in the collection's inauguration, a heartfelt and well-attended event that confirmed Philippone's work as part of the shared heritage of the city and the surrounding area.

The association trusts, especially in the context of Agrigento being the Capital of Culture, in decisive action by the Municipal Administration, hoping for the collection's prompt restoration to its original location or to an equally suitable and accessible space.

Founding member Stella Filippone, the artist's granddaughter, is actively engaged in open dialogue with local institutions and stakeholders to foster constructive discussion that respects the value of the donated artwork. This commitment is fully in line with FIDAPA's mission, which has always been committed to protecting the culture, art, and historical memory of the region.

The Cammarata – San Giovanni Gemini chapter renews its trust in the institutions and declares its readiness to support any initiative that promotes the local artistic heritage, respecting the agreements made and the sensitivities of the artist's family.

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