SubUrb View: students discover urban communication with Urban Vision
How is communication in cities changing in a cross-media sense, and how can digital art be combined with the promotion of Italy’s artistic and cultural heritage? These are some of the questions at the heart of the training session for the Suburb View project at the Confalonieri De Chirico secondary school in Rome, attended by experts from Urban Vision Group, a project partner. The event, which took place on 13 March, offered a practical insight into a constantly evolving field, where technology, creativity and urban regeneration are becoming increasingly intertwined [read the news How urban communication is changing].
The artist Giacomo Lion described how the students are interpreting the project to be displayed on Urban Vision’s video walls, the challenge of the Suburb View project. “The students are developing a video celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Fondazione Mondo Digitale, starting with the new logo, using graphics software and artificial intelligence to animate it. They have shown great inventiveness and initiative.”
Anita Gulisano, Marketing Lead at Urban Vision, described the evolution of a communication model capable of connecting art, technology and the enhancement of urban heritage. “What you are experimenting with today may become a useful skill for your work tomorrow. The company’s work follows two complementary strands: on the one hand, the creation of innovative experiences for the community; on the other, support for urban regeneration processes through the use of digital technologies. In recent years, this approach has yielded significant results: over 400 cultural heritage sites have been restored, partly thanks to contributions from advertisers. A model that demonstrates how communication can become a concrete tool to support the city’s rebirth.” . Citing emblematic examples ranging from Bernini’s twin fountains to Milan Cathedral, Anita Gulisano reviewed initiatives that protect our cultural heritage whilst also showcasing new forms of urban communication, such as the launch of major Italian hit songs through simultaneous immersive experiences in various cities around the world, or the use of large urban surfaces for public art projects. Finally, Anita showed a video of the project carried out in Paris for Cartier and the Artwall project, which brings works of art to buildings in the suburbs, transforming urban spaces into venues for cultural expression.
In the second part of the meeting, Rosaria Gargano, who works in human resources at Urban Vision, shared some practical advice on navigating the world of work, starting with the crucial moment of the interview. “You usually start with a question asking you to introduce yourself,” she explained. “It’s important to talk about your experiences, but also to explain how you tackled a project or a challenge.” Transparency and authenticity are key: “Being honest and admitting what you don’t know how to do or have never done is important. Companies have onboarding processes and structured training programmes designed precisely to cater for the varying levels of knowledge of each new employee.”
Among the suggestions most appreciated by participants were some simple yet practical tips: research the company before the interview, be yourself and don’t be afraid to show your emotions. Three young students agreed to put themselves to the test by taking part in a mock interview, demonstrating a high level of awareness and self-confidence.
