Cultural associations and foundations in the Ticinese neighbourhood of Milan

The IBVA Foundation

One of the working arms of Milanese philanthropy, the Fondazione IBVA is an extraordinary foundation established back in 1801 when a group of Barnabite Fathers decided to create a boarding school for vulnerable young girls, turning to the Milanese nobility and middle classes for funding.

IBVA history and projects

Since then, IBVA has undergone various transformations without ever losing sight of its original calling: helping the needy, no matter where they come from or what they believe in. Today, it is a lay foundation with its own employees as well as numerous volunteers who breathe life into its myriad projects. Here are only a few of these initiatives: Centro Italiano per Tutti (Italian language courses), Abitare Solidale (emergency housing for family units without a roof over their heads), Fare Centro (guidance services for vulnerable populations) and Solidando (a unique supermarket where some struggling families can do free shopping).

The original IBVA premises were bombed during the Second World War, and new offices were built thanks to the generosity of a number of families in the aftermath of the war.

The new building was designed by the Italian architect Luigi Caccia Dominioni, and today it also houses other significant charitable organisations, such as Arimo.

The social co-operative Arimo

Founded in 2003, Arimo is a social co-operative whose mission is to create educational communities for minors (mainly teenagers) in trouble, encouraging them to become independent in financial, social and educational terms.

The “Terre di Mezzo” project

The same premises house another organisation which was set up 30 years ago and is known as Terre di Mezzo. It was once a street paper sold by people in need who earned 50% of the amount cashed. Over the years, this project morphed into various forms. First it became a publishing house specialising in picture books and travel literature, with a special focus on walks, and then it turned into a non-profit association. A true force to be reckoned with, for years they have been organising an event called “the night of the homeless” (La notte dei senza dimora) which gives people a taste of what it feels like to sleep in the streets. Another of their endeavours is an Italian-national fair known as “Fa’ la cosa giusta” (Do the right thing) which addresses sustainable conscious consumption.

Emergency, Gino Strada’s humanitarian NGO

Located near the Basilica of Sant’Eustorgio, the operational headquarters of Emergency (founded by peace activist Gino Strada in 1994) strives to provide the best possible medical support to the war stricken. As we write, Emergency is involved in over 60 different projects worldwide, with more than 150 highly-specialised staff members. In 2017, it moved to its new premises courtesy of the Municipality of Milan where it organises events, such as film screenings, book presentations and meetups. The aim of all these activities is to raise awareness among the general public about what it does.

The “Arté Danza e Capoeira” dance & pilates school

In addition to the important charity work being done, there is also a non-profit association called Arté Danza e Capoeira which is a well-established part of the community. Open to everyone, it offers dance, pilates and capoeira lessons to whoever is interested, regardless of age. The dance & pilates school is run by Alma Bandini, while Stefano Lo Cascio gives capoeira lessons. Also known by his stage name Medusa, Stefano was the first capoeira teacher in Italy and is also the founder of the Italian Angolan Capoeira Association.

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