On Wednesday, March 4, the photographic exhibition "Memories in Dialogue" was inaugurated and is currently being hosted in the corridor of the USI Red Building. The event provided a platform for reflection on dementia, bridging the gap between several university faculties and the local region.
The event was opened by USI Interim Rector Gabriele Balbi, who emphasised that the initiative aligns with the university’s "third mandate" and contributes to public discourse on themes related to human well-being. Professor Balbi also highlighted that the exhibition touches upon fields in which USI is active in both research and education, particularly ageing, public health, and visual communication.
Following an introduction by Dr Anna De Benedetti , President of the Cantonal Commission on Dementia and the CoPeC Consortium, the evening continued with an interdisciplinary conversation between Professor Emiliano Albanese of the Institute of Public Health and Professor Katharina Lobinger of the Institute of Digital Technologies for Communication.
Albanese framed the topic by noting that dementia is not a part of normal ageing; it is a condition that is becoming increasingly widespread as life expectancy rises, yet it remains under-recognised and, unfortunately, stigmatised. The WHO calls on Member States to implement dementia awareness campaigns-which go far beyond mere information-and structured initiatives, such as integrated and inclusive community programmes. In this context, awareness-raising efforts like the "Memories in Dialogue" exhibition and projects involving people living with dementia and their families are particularly vital. Professor Katharina Lobinger focused on the role of imagery, highlighting the various ways in which visual communication can make often-marginalised individuals and realities visible, restoring their dignity and rights. She further noted that when images are produced with sensitivity and avoid stereotypical representations, they can stimulate emotional and interpretive engagement that is often more effective than words alone. Following a Q&A session with the audience, the evening concluded with an invitation to visit the exhibition, including guided tours curated by art historian and cultural mediator Stefania Fink (registrations via email at [email protected] ).
The exhibition is promoted by the CoPeC Consortium and the Interreg MU.S.E.O. project (coordinated in Ticino by ATTE), under the patronage of the Cantonal Commission on Dementia of the Department of Health and Social Affairs of Canton Ticino. The event served as a concrete example of interdisciplinary dialogue between the university and the community, helping to increase awareness of the complex issue of dementia.
