Forte Gentile Abruzzo – Strong & Gentle

A photography and storytelling project by Associazione IRIS, celebrating the strength and kindness of Abruzzo’s people — both locals and newcomers — through art, identity, and connection.

His reference to the residents of Abruzzo as “forte e gentile” was used by Primo Levi (1853-1917), a journalist and diplomat who wrote a book about his travels to Abruzzo in 1882 – “Abruzzo forte e gentile: Impressioni d’Occhio e di Cuore”. After Levi’s book was published, the phrase “forte e gentile” resonated immediately, capturing the soul of Abruzzo and became its unofficial motto.

Levi was also one of the first writers to predict the crucial role coastal communities would play in shaping the resurgence of the region. At his time, coastal communities had been neglected in favour of the mystical pastoral and mountain communities. He portrayed coastal communities as quietly industrious whilst carrying the seeds of change. Now we can see how Costa dei Trabocchi dominates the progress in Abruzzo.

However, the history of the past is more than the gone era. It serves our understanding of the present times and it shapes the future.

This is the main theme for our photographic exhibition “Forte e gentile – i volti dell’Abruzzo” – to reflect on people who are currently shaping the future of Abruzzo with their spirits of adversity and generosity.

Exploring Abruzzo Through Faces & Stories

Discover the people, traditions, and modern identities that define today’s Abruzzo through photography and storytelling.

A Traveling Celebration of Culture

Visit the Strong & Gentle exhibition across Cugnoli, Capestrano, and Bussi sul Tirino — free and open to all.

Learn, Create, and Collaborate

Join photography and writing workshops that inspire connection and creativity within the local community.

Exploring Abruzzo

Strong & Gentle is one of IRIS’s flagship initiatives. Through photography and storytelling, it explores the lives and identities of people who call Abruzzo home — locals and newcomers alike.

The project redefines the traditional Abruzzese spirit of being “strong and gentle,” highlighting resilience, kindness, and connection.

Exhibition Locations in 2025

80+

Hours of Creative Workshops

Villages Connected

Experience the Exhibition Across Abruzzo

Discover portraits and stories that reveal the strength and kindness of Abruzzo’s people. The exhibition “Forte e Gentile – I Volti dell’Abruzzo” opens this autumn, inviting everyone to experience the region’s evolving cultural identity.

Our Vision and Goals

The project aims to generate a significant impact on the local area, promoting the development of cultural and social resources and the growth of local institutions and associations through an innovative model of promotion and collaboration.

One of the main expected outcomes is the creation of an integrated structure that will serve as a platform for cultural and tourism promotion, actively involving local authorities and cultural associations. This operational network will allow partner municipalities to coordinate shared initiatives, develop new projects, and strengthen territorial cohesion through cultural activities and events.

Thanks to this cultural infrastructure, local associations and authorities will be able to use the photography exhibition as a basis for their own initiatives, organizing thematic events related to the project, such as conferences, meetings with experts, art workshops, or presentations dedicated to the history of migration and the promotion of local heritage. The ability to host and integrate events into the project’s programming will maximize the visibility and impact of the initiatives, benefiting from the promotional strategy already implemented for the exhibition.

The project’s innovative element lies in its ability to create synergies between institutions, cultural organizations, and tourism operators, transforming an artistic initiative into a driver of regional development. The digitalization of content, with the creation of a dedicated website and the dissemination of informational materials online, will help broaden the project’s reach and ensure its enjoyment beyond the physical confines of the exhibition.

Cultural Identity

Inclusion

Education

Sustainability

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Support IRIS by attending exhibitions, joining workshops, or volunteering for future cultural initiatives. Together, we can preserve Abruzzo’s spirit — strong, gentle, and ever-evolving.
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Forte e Gentile – i volti dell’Abruzzo