The context: the need and the challenge
In the educational vision championed by Andrea Bocelli Foundation, a school is more than a functional building. It is a vital social and cultural hub for its community: a place where relationships are formed, people grow together, and emotions and different forms of expression can be shared.
Many schools, particularly in fragile areas or communities affected by emergencies, lack suitable workshop spaces, specialist staff and the resources needed to nurture children’s artistic, musical and technological exploration. Children often lack a rich environment in which to express themselves, build relationships, and discover and develop their talents.
This is why integrated education programmes are needed: programmes that enrich the curriculum and give teachers, students and learning communities innovative new tools.
ABF’s response
The Art, Music & Digital Labs project introduces the atelierista – a creative learning specialist who designs artistic, musical and digital experiences as an integral part of the school curriculum. Working alongside an educational coordinator, the atelierista brings different forms of expression together and helps teachers innovate their practice.
The project also develops and expands dedicated lab spaces, promotes effective educational practice, and supports teachers and students directly through documentation, exploration and creative practice.
At the same time, ABF promotes the thoughtful and purposeful use of new technology across its school network through the Digital Lab programme. This provides TeachBus digital libraries, customised devices and a digital atelierista: a ‘4.0 librarian’ specialising in the integration of education and technology.
Why it matters
- Art, music and digital media help children express themselves and develop their talents and potential.
- Children need rich, inclusive learning environments centred on relationships.
- Innovative tools, expertise and professional roles strengthen the quality of teaching and learning.
- New technologies should be used as educational resources, not merely as tools for day-to-day tasks.
- Strong education and community networks create dialogue, exchange and participation.
The project
Partners: S. Pertini Comprehensive School in Capannoli; Mons. Paoletti Comprehensive School in Pieve Torina; G. Leopardi Comprehensive School in Sarnano; R. Frau Vocational Institute in San Ginesio; and the Municipalities of Lajatico, Muccia, Sarnano and San Ginesio.
Key activities:
- Introducing atelieristas into schools.
- Enhancing art, music and digital lab spaces.
- Designing experiences that are fully integrated into the school curriculum.
- Documentation, research and creative exploration.
- Delivering the Digital Lab: tailored devices, the TeachBus digital library and a digital atelierista.
Project phases
The programme follows a strategically structured sequence of key operational milestones:
- Assessing the educational needs of partner schools.
- Recruiting and training specialist educators, including atelieristas and digital atelieristas.
- Developing lab-based activities and integrating them into the curriculum.
- Educational support and monitoring by the ABF coordinator.
- Documenting and evaluating educational practice.
Objectives
- Give children the right conditions to discover and develop their talents through art, music and digital learning.
- Create interactive, relationship-centred and inclusive learning environments.
- Empowering educators with pioneering tools while enriching the core school curriculum.
- Use forms of creative expression to build knowledge and encourage community participation.
- Build strong local networks between schools, families and learning communities.
