IN a landmark moment for the African art scene, globally renowned contemporary Italian artist Michelangelo Pistoletto has realised his celebrated "Third Paradise" project at the Bella Esperanza ODV non-profit school in Ugwachanya, near Iringa.

This initiative marks the first time the project has been implemented in Tanzania and across Sub-Saharan Africa, signalling a new chapter in cultural diplomacy between Italy and Tanzania.

Developed in cooperation with the Teresine Sisters and under the prestigious patronage of the Embassy of Italy, the project transformed the school grounds into a hub of participatory art. The initiative was co-designed by Fondazione Pistoletto Cittadellarte, Hexisart, and Bella Esperanza ODV, with curators Tommaso Venco and Saverio Teruzzi overseeing the creative direction. By blending education with collective responsibility, the project sought to foster a deep intercultural dialogue between local and international participants.

At the heart of the project was the creation of a large-scale mural and a participatory performance that drew in students, teachers, local families, and members of the Maasai community. This diverse gathering transformed the artistic process into a shared experience of unity. Michelangelo Pistoletto, widely considered one of the most influential figures in contemporary art, remarked that the experience in Tanzania allowed the Third Paradise to become a space of shared responsibility, characterized by the Swahili concepts of mimi, wewe, sisi—I, you, and us. He noted that true peace emerges when society recognizes nature and humanity as a single, interconnected body.

The mural itself serves as a permanent symbol of this philosophy. Executed by Tanzanian artists Happy Roberts and Frank Chillo alongside the school’s children, the artwork features depictions of nature positioned above the handprints of the students below. This composition reflects the Third Paradise’s core mission: promoting a balanced coexistence between human society and the natural world, a concept built collectively through the eyes and hands of the younger generation.

The cultural celebration was further energized by the participation of legendary Tanzanian musician Dully Sykes. His involvement bridged the gap between visual art and music, turning the inauguration into a vibrant, intergenerational community event. The integration of local rhythmic traditions with the global message of the Third Paradise underscored the project's success in creating a truly inclusive atmosphere.

During a visit to the school, the Ambassador of Italy to Tanzania, Giuseppe Coppola, praised the project as a testament to the vitality of people-to-people relations. He emphasised that art and education are not merely aesthetic pursuits but are powerful instruments for dialogue and cooperation that will benefit future generations of both nations. Following the events in Ugwachanya, the project was presented at Ruaha Catholic University (RUCU) in Iringa to encourage academic exchange, eventually concluding with an official reception at the Italian ambassador’s residence in Dar es Salaam.

Bella Esperanza ODV, founded in 2023 by Alexandra Pfeifer, continues to champion this model of international collaboration. The organisation is currently overseeing the construction of a pre-school and primary school in Ugwachanya designed to serve 360 children. By integrating creativity into the core curriculum, the school aims to use education as a strategic tool for sustainable development.

As the dialogue initiated in Iringa continues to grow, further activations of the Third Paradise are scheduled for Milan, Venice, and Bolzano in Italy. Meanwhile, plans are already underway for a second large-scale installation in Tanzania, ensuring that the seeds of cultural partnership sown in Iringa will continue to flourish.