Theme: (ri)generare bellezza

Can beauty be a powerful antidote to the world's dysfunctions?

From the heart of the Mediterranean, the gaze turns towards those who recognize and preserve beauty, towards those who can grasp it in an idea and in a leap.

This is the spirit of TEDxEnna: a call to action to develop our sensitivity in recognizing and generating – and sometimes regenerating – beauty.
Promoting education in beauty means grasping the value of ideas and actions that enrich the world, because it is precisely in the small things that beauty resides, in a journey of tiny steps that generates change.

Beauty is a precious gift that must be recognized and protected, a fundamental value to be cultivated.

Teatro Comunale Francesco Paolo Neglia
Via S. Giuseppe
Enna, Sicilia, 94100
Italy

Agata Polizzi

Art Historian and Curator

Born in 1976, Agata Polizzi is a Sicilian art historian, independent curator, and a PhD holder in Architectural History, based in Palermo. Since becoming a professional journalist in 2011, she has contributed to various specialized art magazines. Agata has curated numerous exhibitions and publications for both public and private museum institutions, collaborating with artists and foundations at national and international levels. Since 2019, she has been the Editorial Director of My Art Guide Italia and an adjunct curator of the BAM Biennale Arcipelago Mediterraneo. She also serves as a guest curator at the Francesco Pantaleone Contemporary Art Gallery and is the visual arts curator for the Festival delle Letterature Migranti. Additionally, Agata is a consultant for the Swiss Institute of Rome, was the curatorial coordinator for ZACentrale in Palermo, and has been collaborating with the Mario Merz Foundation in Turin since 2014.

Andrea Matteo Petrelli

Photographer

Andrea Matteo Petrelli, born in Adrano in 1987 and based in Catania, is a documentary filmmaker, photographer, and videomaker whose work has been featured in national and international magazines such as Perimetro, Getty Reportage, and Glamour Romania. In 2021, he embarked on a journey to document Southern Italy in a camper, capturing the essence of the region through his lens. From 2019 to 2024, he has curated several photographic exhibitions including “The Shadow of God,” “Behind the City,” “Distant Voices,” “Inside and Out,” “Art and Gender,” and “Phenomenology of Bodies.” Through his Instagram handle @segnali_di_vita, Andrea showcases daily urban scenes, bringing to life the everyday authenticity of the cities he visits.

Don Cosimo Schena

Priest, Author, and Psychologist

Born in Brindisi in 1979, Don Cosimo Schena is a priest in the Diocese of Brindisi-Ostuni. He holds multiple degrees in philosophy, theology, and clinical psychology, and has earned a PhD in philosophy from the Pontifical Lateran University. Don Cosimo is the author of several poetry books and philosophical essays. He is known as Italy’s most-followed priest on social media, where he shares his reflections on love, peace, and environmental stewardship. Dubbed "the poet of God’s love," he is currently specializing in brief strategic psychotherapy, applying his deep understanding of philosophy and psychology to help address the spiritual and emotional needs of his community.

Gaetano Fontanazza

Guitarist, Producer, and Composer

Guitarist, producer, and composer for media, deals expecially (but not only) with ambient, electronic and experimental music, since the eighties. His music reveals his explorer attitude, delivering to the listener a wide palette of emotional sounds and shades. From bright light to dark void, from still sonic textures to wild rhythmic and loud mayhems, from delicate melodies to glitchy atmospheres. Founder of various side projects dealing with different styles of music and genres, his music has been used as soundtrack in awarded short movies, TV programs, events and creative livesets.

Giulia Fresca

Engineer, Academic, and Journalist

Born in 1971 in Manfredonia, Giulia Fresca is a multifaceted professional who combines her skills as an engineer, journalist, and author to advocate for societal and environmental changes. Her distinguished career has earned her numerous accolades, including a Medal and High Recognition from the Senate of the Republic. Giulia is deeply committed to Civil Protection and social welfare, actively promoting a culture of community and prevention. As a multifaceted professional, she is dedicated to sustainability and social well-being, making her a vital advocate for responsible and innovative engineering solutions.

Marco Spinelli

Documentary Filmaker

Marco Spinelli, born in 1995, is an underwater photographer and documentary filmmaker dedicated to marine conservation. In 2021, he released "Mission Euridice" on Amazon Prime Video, a project with his brother Andrea that highlighted the recovery of fishing nets in the Gulf of Cefalù. His 2022 documentary, "I, Tiber - The Roots of the Sea," explored the overlooked beauty of the Tiber River, fostering a dialogue on environmental protection. In 2023, he led "Mission Skerki," showcasing the unique biodiversity of Skerki in the Mediterranean Sea, supported by the Oceanographic Foundation of Valencia. Recognized in Forbes' Top 100 Under 30 in 2024 for his impact on environmental awareness, Marco's work spreads a contagious love for marine ecosystems, urging active conservation to prevent environmental disasters and combat climate change.

Marco Gervasi e Stefania Guglielmino

Dancers

Marco Gervasi and Stefania Guglielmino are dynamic Latin American dancers, currently shining stars in the international dance company "Burn the Floor." Marco began dancing at the age of 6 and has since amassed numerous titles. Stefania, a powerhouse in her own right, is a 15-time Italian champion. This year, they clinched the 4th place in the Exhibition category at the prestigious "The Open World" competition in Blackpool, demonstrating their exceptional skill and dedication to the art of dance. Their performances are celebrated for their energy, precision, and captivating presence on the dance floor.

Mauro Lamantia

Actor

Mauro Lamantia, born in 1990 in Palermo and raised in Enna, Sicily, graduated from the Piccolo Teatro School in Milan in 2011. He was awarded the Hystrio Vocational Prize in 2012 and nominated as Best Emerging Actor at the Italian Theatre Masks (Le Maschere del Teatro Italiano) in 2015. Mauro has worked with notable Italian theaters such as Teatro della Tosse, Teatro Fontana, and Teatro Elfo Puccini in Milan. He starred in Paolo Virzì's "Notti Magiche" and appeared in Ridley Scott's "House of Gucci" and Gianni di Gregorio's "Astolfo". In 2021, Mauro published "Formulario," his first collection of poetry, and embarked on a journey of performative poetry with "Fiore". He has staged performances like "Petra" with Beercock and "Gramsci Gay" with Matteo Gatta and Iacopo Gardelli, blending his theatrical talents with contemporary poetry.

Michelangelo Giansiracusa

Public Administrator

Michelangelo Giansiracusa, born in 1977 in Sicily, holds a Law degree from the University of Catania and serves as the regional coordinator for the "Most Beautiful Villages of Italy" in Sicily and the mayor of Ferla. An expert in environmental sustainability and ecological transition, Michelangelo is a pioneer of "politics 2.0," known for his effective and tangible communication. With creativity and resilience, he has revitalized beauty in towns and communities, driven by the ethos, "Building community through participatory and sustainable actions with a spirit of service and a sense of belonging. To do politics is to build community." His leadership has fostered significant local development, demonstrating a deep commitment to enhancing communal life and environmental stewardship.

Michele Mezzanotte

Psychologist and Psychotherapist

Michele Mezzanotte, born in Chieti in 1984, is a dedicated psychotherapist and popularizer in the field of psychology. He graduated in Psychology from the Gabriele D’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara and specialized in Psychotherapy at the Atanor School in L’Aquila. Author of numerous books and articles, Michele shares his passion for psychology with the world, striving to enhance understanding and application of psychological principles in everyday life.

Remon Karam

Human Rights Activist

Born in Cairo on June 17, 1999, Remon Karam survived a perilous journey across the sea at just 14, arriving in Italy without his parents. Carrying only a photo of his brother and dreams of making his parents proud, he soon found a new family in foster parents Marilena and Carmelo. His harrowing story was captured in the book "The Sea Hides the Stars" by Francesca Barra. A graduate in Modern Languages from Kore University of Enna, Remon has become a prominent human rights advocate, sharing his experiences in schools, media, and public forums. He also completed an internship at UNICEF Italy and features in several documentaries on immigration. Today, he continues his studies and serves as a student representative, committed to defending human rights.

Salvatore Mastrosimone

Pianist

Born in Enna in 2006, Salvatore Mastrosimone began studying piano at just six years old. From an early age, he has garnered acclaim, winning numerous national and international piano competitions. His accolades include: 1st overall prize at the "Antonio Trombone" competition in Palermo. 1st prize at the "International Piano Talents Competition" in Milan. 1st prize and special "Edizione Curci" mention at the "Benedetto Albanese" competition. 1st prize at the "International Music Competition Amigdala". 1st overall prize and special "A. Corelli" award at the "Città di Taormina" competition. 3rd prize at the prestigious "Steinway" Piano Competition in Verona. 1st prize at the "Cote D’Azur" International Competition, performing with the Orchestra of the Conservatory of Nice. Salvatore is currently pursuing an Academic Triennium at the "Vincenzo Bellini" Conservatory in Catania and recently won the "Première Médaille" at the "Concours International de Piano de Chatou".

Stefania Bendato

Cultural Communicator

Born in 1991 in Isernia, Stefania is a Digital Content Creator and Influencer with a degree in Political Science and European Institutions. Through her Instagram profile @unaqualunque, she promotes both Italian and international cultural heritage and devises digital marketing strategies for businesses. Her collaborations include work with the Vatican Museums, the Italian and Spanish Ministries of Tourism, Motorola, and other prominent brands. Currently, she serves as the Communication Manager for the European project “Breaking Isolation” at the Municipality of Isernia.

Stefania Bruno

Sand Artist

Stefania Bruno, born in Enna, began her artistic journey at the age of 17, inspired by her grandfather Vincenzo Bruno. With a profound connection to art and nature, she channels her love for beauty into surreal and dreamlike creations. Specializing in sand art, Stefania uses sand to craft vibrant stories and pictures, turning her art into a living book that begins with "Once upon a time…". Her unique approach to storytelling through sand brings each scene to life, making her performances mesmerizing and deeply evocative.