Sandra Federici is a journalist, who since 1999 has held the position of Director of Africa e Mediterraneo. This biannual review publish articles on African artistic expression in all its forms, including literature, theatre, dance, comics and art. It also analyses the phenomenon of European immigration from a cultural point of view. Federici has experience in coordinating European projects in partnership with European and African organizations. Examples of such projects include education for development, European researches, cultural cooperation and the development of best practices databases based on projects on intercultural dialogue in Europe. She holds a PhD from the Université de Lorraine (and by Università Statale di Milano). Her dissertation concerned the comics production by African authors and was titled “L'entrance des auteurs africains dans le champ de la bande dessinée européenne de langue française”. She published a book with the same title, at the French publisher L'Harmattan, in December 2019.
As the working conditions of comic authors in Africa have never been easy, the African authors ha... more As the working conditions of comic authors in Africa have never been easy, the African authors have been and continue to be attracted by the European comics industry. Following Pierre Bourdieu's cultural field theory, the article describes the African comic «field» as an ensemble of institutions (publishing houses, magazines) that for economical and historical reasons remain weak and not autonomous from influences coming from the external social space (political, educational, economical, censorship's instances). Thus, the publication of comic stories and cartoons in the framework of social communication (for NGOs, educational institutions, missionaries) is often the principal possibility of emergence and professional sustainability for these authors.
Cette étude s’interroge sur les conditions de possibilités et les modalités d’entrance des auteur... more Cette étude s’interroge sur les conditions de possibilités et les modalités d’entrance des auteurs africains dans le champ de la bande dessinée européenne de langue française. La thèse procède à une approche sociologique en effectuant, en premier lieu, une analyse institutionnelle des conditions de production, de circulation et de réception, ainsi que de la sociabilité dans les contextes locaux, notamment dans les pays de l’Afrique subsaharienne francophone. L’examen des modalités de publication dans l’édition ou dans la presse, des associations d’auteurs, des festivals et d’autres initiatives de promotion, des possibilités offertes par le monde associatif et celui des institutions montre que les auteurs locaux ont à réaliser leur vocation artistique et leurs projets professionnels dans des milieux mal organisés et peu propices. Cet état de choses, certes, oblige les agents à mettre en œuvre leur plus ou moins grande habileté à s’y adapter et à le faire jouer à l’avantage de leur pa...
La necesidad de una educación intercultural es cada día más evidente y necesaria en un universo c... more La necesidad de una educación intercultural es cada día más evidente y necesaria en un universo comunicado e interdependiente. Sin embargo, las tecnologías no van siempre al compás de las evolución de las culturas y los modelos de vivir y sentir de las comunidades. Por ello, se hace necesario el desarrollo de propuestas didácticas interculturales, a través de los propios medios de comunicación, con el objeto de dotar a niños y adolescentes de los instrumentos necesarios para saber decodificar y reconocer los estereotipos que suelen acompañar la representación de determinadas culturas.The need for intercultural education is growing more evident in an increasingly communicative and interdependent. However, technologies do not always ma- tch the evolution of the diverse cultures and communities and their models for living and feeling. Thus, it becomes necessary to develop intercultural educative projects for the media in order to provide children and teenagers with the necessary tools ...
As the working conditions of comic authors in Africa have never been easy, the African authors ha... more As the working conditions of comic authors in Africa have never been easy, the African authors have been and continue to be attracted by the European comics industry. Following Pierre Bourdieu's cultural field theory, the article describes the African comic «field» as an ensemble of institutions (publishing houses, magazines) that for economical and historical reasons remain weak and not autonomous from influences coming from the external social space (political, educational, economical, censorship's instances). Thus, the publication of comic stories and cartoons in the framework of social communication (for NGOs, educational institutions, missionaries) is often the principal possibility of emergence and professional sustainability for these authors.
L’articolo analizza alcuni graphic novel, emersi negli ultimi 20 anni nel campo italiano del fume... more L’articolo analizza alcuni graphic novel, emersi negli ultimi 20 anni nel campo italiano del fumetto, che hanno trattato l’immigrazione e possono essere utilizzati in ambito didattico. Alcune presentano il tema come elemento costitutivo della condizione umana, altre, molto vicine al giornalismo, raccontano specifiche rotte percorse dai migranti irregolari, oppure le condizioni di accoglienza/esclusione dei richiedenti asilo in Italia. Numerose graphic novel sono utili per comprendere le situazioni nei paesi di origine, in altre gli stessi autori e autrici, come l’italo-tunisina Takoua Ben Mohamed, attiva nel campo italiano, raccontano la loro crescita nella società di accoglienza.
Cette etude s’interroge sur les conditions de possibilites et les modalites d’entrance des auteur... more Cette etude s’interroge sur les conditions de possibilites et les modalites d’entrance des auteurs africains dans le champ de la bande dessinee europeenne de langue francaise. La these procede a une approche sociologique en effectuant, en premier lieu, une analyse institutionnelle des conditions de production, de circulation et de reception, ainsi que de la sociabilite dans les contextes locaux, notamment dans les pays de l’Afrique subsaharienne francophone. L’examen des modalites de publication dans l’edition ou dans la presse, des associations d’auteurs, des festivals et d’autres initiatives de promotion, des possibilites offertes par le monde associatif et celui des institutions montre que les auteurs locaux ont a realiser leur vocation artistique et leurs projets professionnels dans des milieux mal organises et peu propices. Cet etat de choses, certes, oblige les agents a mettre en œuvre leur plus ou moins grande habilete a s’y adapter et a le faire jouer a l’avantage de leur pa...
La necesidad de una educacion intercultural es cada dia mas evidente y necesaria en un universo c... more La necesidad de una educacion intercultural es cada dia mas evidente y necesaria en un universo comunicado e interdependiente. Sin embargo, las tecnologias no van siempre al compas de las evolucion de las culturas y los modelos de vivir y sentir de las comunidades. Por ello, se hace necesario el desarrollo de propuestas didacticas interculturales, a traves de los propios medios de comunicacion, con el objeto de dotar a ninos y adolescentes de los instrumentos necesarios para saber decodificar y reconocer los estereotipos que suelen acompanar la representacion de determinadas culturas.
... in alcuni paesi europei Sandra Federici, Rossana Mamberto y Beatrice Orlandini University di ... more ... in alcuni paesi europei Sandra Federici, Rossana Mamberto y Beatrice Orlandini University di Bologna ... Poi, uno degli slogan programmatici della campagna elettorale di Silvio Berlusconi fu quello detto delle «tre i» per la riforma della scuola: Inglese, Impresa e Internet. ...
As the working conditions of comic authors in Africa have never been easy, the African authors ha... more As the working conditions of comic authors in Africa have never been easy, the African authors have been and continue to be attracted by the European comics industry. Following Pierre Bourdieu's cultural field theory, the article describes the African comic «field» as an ensemble of institutions (publishing houses, magazines) that for economical and historical reasons remain weak and not autonomous from influences coming from the external social space (political, educational, economical, censorship's instances). Thus, the publication of comic stories and cartoons in the framework of social communication (for NGOs, educational institutions, missionaries) is often the principal possibility of emergence and professional sustainability for these authors.
Cette étude s’interroge sur les conditions de possibilités et les modalités d’entrance des auteur... more Cette étude s’interroge sur les conditions de possibilités et les modalités d’entrance des auteurs africains dans le champ de la bande dessinée européenne de langue française. La thèse procède à une approche sociologique en effectuant, en premier lieu, une analyse institutionnelle des conditions de production, de circulation et de réception, ainsi que de la sociabilité dans les contextes locaux, notamment dans les pays de l’Afrique subsaharienne francophone. L’examen des modalités de publication dans l’édition ou dans la presse, des associations d’auteurs, des festivals et d’autres initiatives de promotion, des possibilités offertes par le monde associatif et celui des institutions montre que les auteurs locaux ont à réaliser leur vocation artistique et leurs projets professionnels dans des milieux mal organisés et peu propices. Cet état de choses, certes, oblige les agents à mettre en œuvre leur plus ou moins grande habileté à s’y adapter et à le faire jouer à l’avantage de leur pa...
La necesidad de una educación intercultural es cada día más evidente y necesaria en un universo c... more La necesidad de una educación intercultural es cada día más evidente y necesaria en un universo comunicado e interdependiente. Sin embargo, las tecnologías no van siempre al compás de las evolución de las culturas y los modelos de vivir y sentir de las comunidades. Por ello, se hace necesario el desarrollo de propuestas didácticas interculturales, a través de los propios medios de comunicación, con el objeto de dotar a niños y adolescentes de los instrumentos necesarios para saber decodificar y reconocer los estereotipos que suelen acompañar la representación de determinadas culturas.The need for intercultural education is growing more evident in an increasingly communicative and interdependent. However, technologies do not always ma- tch the evolution of the diverse cultures and communities and their models for living and feeling. Thus, it becomes necessary to develop intercultural educative projects for the media in order to provide children and teenagers with the necessary tools ...
As the working conditions of comic authors in Africa have never been easy, the African authors ha... more As the working conditions of comic authors in Africa have never been easy, the African authors have been and continue to be attracted by the European comics industry. Following Pierre Bourdieu's cultural field theory, the article describes the African comic «field» as an ensemble of institutions (publishing houses, magazines) that for economical and historical reasons remain weak and not autonomous from influences coming from the external social space (political, educational, economical, censorship's instances). Thus, the publication of comic stories and cartoons in the framework of social communication (for NGOs, educational institutions, missionaries) is often the principal possibility of emergence and professional sustainability for these authors.
L’articolo analizza alcuni graphic novel, emersi negli ultimi 20 anni nel campo italiano del fume... more L’articolo analizza alcuni graphic novel, emersi negli ultimi 20 anni nel campo italiano del fumetto, che hanno trattato l’immigrazione e possono essere utilizzati in ambito didattico. Alcune presentano il tema come elemento costitutivo della condizione umana, altre, molto vicine al giornalismo, raccontano specifiche rotte percorse dai migranti irregolari, oppure le condizioni di accoglienza/esclusione dei richiedenti asilo in Italia. Numerose graphic novel sono utili per comprendere le situazioni nei paesi di origine, in altre gli stessi autori e autrici, come l’italo-tunisina Takoua Ben Mohamed, attiva nel campo italiano, raccontano la loro crescita nella società di accoglienza.
Cette etude s’interroge sur les conditions de possibilites et les modalites d’entrance des auteur... more Cette etude s’interroge sur les conditions de possibilites et les modalites d’entrance des auteurs africains dans le champ de la bande dessinee europeenne de langue francaise. La these procede a une approche sociologique en effectuant, en premier lieu, une analyse institutionnelle des conditions de production, de circulation et de reception, ainsi que de la sociabilite dans les contextes locaux, notamment dans les pays de l’Afrique subsaharienne francophone. L’examen des modalites de publication dans l’edition ou dans la presse, des associations d’auteurs, des festivals et d’autres initiatives de promotion, des possibilites offertes par le monde associatif et celui des institutions montre que les auteurs locaux ont a realiser leur vocation artistique et leurs projets professionnels dans des milieux mal organises et peu propices. Cet etat de choses, certes, oblige les agents a mettre en œuvre leur plus ou moins grande habilete a s’y adapter et a le faire jouer a l’avantage de leur pa...
La necesidad de una educacion intercultural es cada dia mas evidente y necesaria en un universo c... more La necesidad de una educacion intercultural es cada dia mas evidente y necesaria en un universo comunicado e interdependiente. Sin embargo, las tecnologias no van siempre al compas de las evolucion de las culturas y los modelos de vivir y sentir de las comunidades. Por ello, se hace necesario el desarrollo de propuestas didacticas interculturales, a traves de los propios medios de comunicacion, con el objeto de dotar a ninos y adolescentes de los instrumentos necesarios para saber decodificar y reconocer los estereotipos que suelen acompanar la representacion de determinadas culturas.
... in alcuni paesi europei Sandra Federici, Rossana Mamberto y Beatrice Orlandini University di ... more ... in alcuni paesi europei Sandra Federici, Rossana Mamberto y Beatrice Orlandini University di Bologna ... Poi, uno degli slogan programmatici della campagna elettorale di Silvio Berlusconi fu quello detto delle «tre i» per la riforma della scuola: Inglese, Impresa e Internet. ...
Il grado zero del razzismo: aspetti epistemologici della prospettiva genetica Dossier di Africa e... more Il grado zero del razzismo: aspetti epistemologici della prospettiva genetica Dossier di Africa e Mediterraneo n. 96/2022 a cura di Vincenzo Fano. Call for papers Ci sono varie forme di razzismo, che sono alla base delle espressioni di disprezzo ed emarginazione nei confronti di individui o gruppi appartenenti a comunità etniche e culturali ritenute diverse, spesso inferiori. Esse hanno giocato un ruolo significativo nelle fratture sociali e nei conflitti avvenuti nel continente africano e in generale nelle società mescolate dalle migrazioni transnazionali, forzate e non. In questo dossier vorremmo discutere il razzismo genetico. Ci stiamo riferendo alla tesi secondo cui ci sarebbe sufficiente differenza genetica fra diversi gruppi di persone, tanto che alcuni avrebbero caratteristiche eticamente rilevanti diverse da altri. Non confessato, il razzismo genetico è spesso accettato come senso comune in ampi strati della popolazione, anche perché tra abitanti di diverse zone del nostro pianeta si riscontrano evidenti differenze antropofisiche, come il colore della pelle, i lineamenti del viso, la forma e le dimensioni dello scheletro. In un articolo fondamentale del 1972, il grande biologo Lewontin ha messo a punto serie procedure per stabilire se esistano o meno le razze in senso genetico, proponendo che la variazione genetica che si ritrova in "razze" diverse è molto piccola, analoga a quella fra un nonno e suo nipote! Questi metodi hanno suscitato un ampio dibattito. Si è tentato di stabilire l'esistenza di diverse "razze" anche sulla base dell'analisi dei comportamenti, ma in questo caso si rischia sempre di scambiare qualcosa di acquisito dall'interazione con l'ambiente con qualcosa di genetico. Africa e Mediterraneo è interessata a contributi su questo tema, sia di carattere biologico che psicologico, sia di storia delle teorie razziste biologiche, che di epistemologia delle teorie razziste. Sono benvenuti anche studi sull'immaginario sociale del razzismo genetico e sugli aspetti epigenetici.
There are multiple forms of racism, which are at the root of expressions of contempt and exclusio... more There are multiple forms of racism, which are at the root of expressions of contempt and exclusion towards individuals or groups who belong to ethnic and cultural communities that are deemed different and often inferior. These expressions are pivotal to the social fractures and conflicts that have taken place in Africa and, more generally, in the societies mixed by-forced and otherwise-transnational migrations.
Artists who work on the material and symbolic transformations of the body that arise from clothin... more Artists who work on the material and symbolic transformations of the body that arise from clothing practices can offer an important glimpse into the transformations taking place in Africa and the Diaspora. Clothing through the interplay of compositions and decompositions, combinations and contrasts, the new and the old, allows you to prefigure and experiment with new and different lifestyles in a context which is becoming increasingly mobile and precarious. In this way, artists can be seen as "cultural mediators" who imaginatively and creatively capture in their works the most widely spread lifestyles and cultural sensibilities. An outfit is often the projection of desire, possible and impossible self-experimentations, which forms part of the script of one's life. Outfits are disguises and masks that follow the ephemeral temporality of fashion or that try to imagine a future, leaving behind the past or recapturing it in a different light. Clothing practices in contemporary art, in fashion and in the aesthetics of everyday life are spaces in which one becomes visible, one negotiates and one imposes oneself, remodelling the shapes of one's body and one's field of action. Claimed or experienced, clothing is a place and instrument of identity pride, of discrimination and social exclusion, of exchanges, appropriations and border crossings. Contemporary artists are actively engaged in this field through their experimentation with new ways of creating individual and collective bodies and alternative relationship models. On this basis, Africa e Mediterraneo review invites artists, photographers, designers, stylists, fashion creators, activists and scholars to participate with texts and visual contributions that tell of their experiences, professional activities and research.
Environmental protection, waste and a circular economy in Africa
Call for papers for Africa e Med... more Environmental protection, waste and a circular economy in Africa Call for papers for Africa e Mediterraneo Dossier n. 94/2021
The Horn of Africa has long been identified as an area of permanent instability, where failed sta... more The Horn of Africa has long been identified as an area of permanent instability, where failed states (Somalia) and “frozen conflicts” (Ethiopia-Eritrea) have been the backdrop to local terrorist phenomena (Shabaab), to the commercial expansionism of the Gulf and to the settling of disputes between regional oligarchies (Sudan, South Sudan). Ethiopia, led by Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and home of the African Union, was the stabilising regional power, thanks to its character, history, military prowess and economic strength. With the global world constantly on the move, this area has often been interpreted as being left behind, or characterised by its cynical control, or in any case considered as a very marginal place, while gradual economic and social changes and cultural vitality – especially among the younger generations – have animated the situation. The contrast between the strive towards openness and the immobility of the various regimes has been stark, with many asking themselves what the outcome of this situation might be. Now that both the events which took place in the African Horn and the migration phenomenon are drawing attention to these peoples and Countries (and in particular to the Europe-Italy-Africa relations), it is both useful and necessary to start talking from an Italian point of view too. This dossier would also like to give a special mention to the cultural production in this area, in particular to literature, the visual arts, music and architecture. Deadline July 30th 2020
Call for papers Il Corno d'Africa è stato a lungo identificato come una regione d'instabilità per... more Call for papers Il Corno d'Africa è stato a lungo identificato come una regione d'instabilità permanente, dove stati falliti (Somalia) e "frozen conflicts" (Etiopia-Eritrea) facevano da cornice a fenomeni terroristi locali (Shabaab), espansionismo commerciale del Golfo, regolamenti di conti tra oligarchie regionali (Sudan, Sud-Sudan). L'Etiopia del Primo Ministro Meles Zenawi e sede dell'Unione Africana costituiva la potenza regionale stabilizzatrice, con la sua dimensione, la sua storia, la sua forza militare e il suo peso economico. Nel mondo globale in movimento, quest'area era spesso letta con categorie "rassegnate", se non improntate a un cinico contenimento, e comunque come luogo assai marginale, mentre progressivi cambiamenti economici e sociali e la vitalità culturale, soprattutto tra i giovani, animavano la situazione. La contraddizione tra la spinta all'apertura e l'immobilismo dei vari regimi era evidente e in molti si interrogavano su cosa ciò potesse produrre. Ora che tanto gli avvenimenti nel Corno d’Africa quanto la questione migratoria richiamano l’attenzione su quei popoli e su quelle terre (oltre che più in generale sulle relazioni Europa-Italia-Africa), è utile e necessario riprendere il filo anche da un punto di vista italiano. Si vorrebbe dare un’attenzione particolare anche alla produzione culturale contemporanea di quest’area, in particolare a letteratura, arti visive, musica, architettura.
In the past years Resilience has become quite a popular word, used in several contexts thanks to ... more In the past years Resilience has become quite a popular word, used in several contexts thanks to its evocative and metaphorical power. Keeping in mind the possible semantic dispersion and trying to highlight the concept of resilience in terms of its actual socio-cultural impact, the upcoming Africa e Mediterraneo Dossier aims at tackling this subject with a very specific focus: the tight connection between the creation of resilient communities and territories and the social inclusion of vulnerable citizens, mainly non-natives.
Il prossimo dossier di AeM vuole affrontare il concetto di resilienza – attualmente molto usato ... more Il prossimo dossier di AeM vuole affrontare il concetto di resilienza – attualmente molto usato – da un punto di vista molto specifico: la stretta connessione tra la costruzione di comunità e territori resilienti e l’inclusione dei cittadini più vulnerabili, in particolare i non-nativi. Perché una comunità resiliente cresce riconoscendo le differenze e valorizzando gli elementi di coesione, sia in tempi di normalità sia in fasi di emergenza (per calamità naturali e/o provocate dagli esseri umani).
Books, writings and the market: the 89th edition of the Africa and the Mediterranean dossier exam... more Books, writings and the market: the 89th edition of the Africa and the Mediterranean dossier examines the current state of African publishing in the global context and the impact it has on the diversity of the local and international publishing industry in this era of globalization. The dossier considers the reality of African literature from the perspective of its ‘normality’ and modernity as well as its legitimate and indisputable place in African and international culture. The publishing sector is, in fact, an integral part of the national identity and the cultural, social and economic development of a country. The publishing industry preserves, enhances and develops the culture of a society and its interaction with others. The different contributions to the dossier range from the role of independent publishing to an analysis of the book chain in Africa, from the legacies of colonialism to the role of international cooperation today. It includes insights into individual case studies with a focus on countries such as Algeria, Egypt and Rwanda. Despite the persistent fragility of the African book industry at an international, national and local level, there are many coherent and successful examples of positive experiences throughout the continent. These range from innovative book fairs that offer spaces for discussion and debate to the commitment of writers and editors in the promotion of reading and writing. This dossier attempts to show that the African edition is by no means a cultural exception. It is a vast space of intellectual, literary and linguistic diversity.
L'entrance des auteurs africains dans le champ de la bande dessinée européenne de langue française (1978-2016), 2019
Après des débuts souvent précaires dans leurs pays d’origine, certains auteurs africains de bande... more Après des débuts souvent précaires dans leurs pays d’origine, certains auteurs africains de bande dessinée sont arrivés à publier en Europe et, pour quelques-uns, à y bénéficier d’une solide reconnaissance. Mais si les conditions de départ semblent être similaires pour tous les auteurs, pourquoi certains arrivent- ils à publier dans les maisons d’édition qui ont un rayonnement international, alors que d’autres restent dépendants des commandes du secteur associatif, des fanzines ou des publications confidentielles à l’enseigne des « micro-éditeurs » ? L’approche sociologique permet ici une analyse rigoureuse des conditions de production, de circulation et de réception du neuvième art africain. Elle permet d’étudier d’abord les contextes locaux dans les pays de l’Afrique subsaharienne francophone, ensuite les modalités des trajectoires transnationales des créateurs, et donc leur entrance sur d’autres marchés. La théorie du champ littéraire éclaire ici d’un jour nouveau les carrières de trois créateurs africains qui ont « réussi » : les Congolais Barly Baruti et Pat Masioni et l’Ivoirienne Marguerite Abouet, aussi bien que de nombreux autres parcours.
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Papers by Sandra Federici
Call for papers for Africa e Mediterraneo Dossier n. 94/2021
With the global world constantly on the move, this area has often been interpreted as being left behind, or characterised by its cynical control, or in any case considered as a very marginal place, while gradual economic and social changes and cultural vitality – especially among the younger generations – have animated the situation. The contrast between the strive towards openness and the immobility of the various regimes has been stark, with many asking themselves what the outcome of this situation might be. Now that both the events which took place in the African Horn and the migration phenomenon are drawing attention to these peoples and Countries (and in particular to the Europe-Italy-Africa relations), it is both useful and necessary to start talking from an Italian point of view too.
This dossier would also like to give a special mention to the cultural production in this area, in particular to literature, the visual arts, music and architecture.
Deadline July 30th 2020
Si vorrebbe dare un’attenzione particolare anche alla produzione culturale contemporanea di quest’area, in particolare a letteratura, arti visive, musica, architettura.
The dossier considers the reality of African literature from the perspective of its ‘normality’ and modernity as well as its legitimate and indisputable place in African and international culture. The publishing sector is, in fact, an integral part of the national identity and the cultural, social and economic development of a country. The publishing industry preserves, enhances and develops the culture of a society and its interaction with others.
The different contributions to the dossier range from the role of independent publishing to an analysis of the book chain in Africa, from the legacies of colonialism to the role of international cooperation today. It includes insights into individual case studies with a focus on countries such as Algeria, Egypt and Rwanda.
Despite the persistent fragility of the African book industry at an international, national and local level, there are many coherent and successful examples of positive experiences throughout the continent. These range from innovative book fairs that offer spaces for discussion and debate to the commitment of writers and editors in the promotion of reading and writing.
This dossier attempts to show that the African edition is by no means a cultural exception. It is a vast space of intellectual, literary and linguistic diversity.
L’approche sociologique permet ici une analyse rigoureuse des conditions de production, de circulation et de réception du neuvième art africain. Elle permet d’étudier d’abord les contextes locaux dans les pays de l’Afrique subsaharienne francophone, ensuite les modalités des trajectoires transnationales des créateurs, et donc leur entrance sur d’autres marchés. La théorie du champ littéraire éclaire ici d’un jour nouveau les carrières de trois créateurs africains qui ont « réussi » : les Congolais Barly Baruti et Pat Masioni et l’Ivoirienne Marguerite Abouet, aussi bien que de nombreux autres parcours.