Providing for needs. History of a laudable institution - Fondazione Trentina per il Volontariato Sociale

From 18 October to 17 November 2024 at the Fondazione Caritro, the exhibition "Providing for needs. History of a Laudable Institution"

The exhibition traces an important piece of Trentino's history, from the second half of the nineteenth century — when the Artieri di Trento Mutual Aid Society was founded with the aim of alleviating the social discomfort of workers without social security coverage for accidents, illnesses and old age — to the present day, when the Trentino Foundation for Social Volunteering, the heir of this society, supports and promotes volunteering.

The exhibition offers an exciting journey through historical documents, period photographs, testimonies and materials that tell the story of the evolution of this philanthropic institution and the people who have been part of it.

Founded in the mid-19th century, the Mutual Aid Society has crossed the "short century", intertwining the great events of history with the many "small" stories of Trentino artisans, often affected by illness, hunger and accidents at work. The Archive gives us their names and stories.

The exhibition is not only an opportunity to rediscover the past, but also an invitation to reflect on the values of solidarity and cooperation that still inspire volunteering today.

In 1998, with the cessation of the activities of the Mutual Aid Society, his legacy led to the creation of the Trentino Foundation for Social Volunteering, under the patronage of the Caritro Foundation, which took on the role of guarantor of the assets and funder.

Since then, the Trentino Foundation for Social Volunteering has not only supported voluntary associations committed to supporting the most vulnerable people, but has also promoted research and studies on relevant social issues, as well as developing initiatives and projects in collaboration with other actors in the field of welfare policies.

The exhibition is organized as part of the initiatives for "Trento Italian and European Capital of Volunteering 2024".