To mark the 70th anniversary of the German-Italian recruitment agreement of 20 December 1955, the Makkaroni Academy explored the history of the first generation of Italian guest workers.

In various events, including happenings, workshops, pasta and podcast workshops, as well as karaoke, dance and game evenings, people from all backgrounds were invited to come together and be part of the artistic field research.

The workshops were led by second- and third-generation descendants of guest workers. This created a space for remembrance and reappraisal on the one hand, and on the other hand, the opportunity to develop new images and narratives that do justice to the post-migrant reality.

Collage performance with Emanuela Martucci

We make memories visible – a creative workshop about home, departure and light

Pasta & Stories At what angle do you roll cavatelli?

Karaoke afternoon – sing your favourite Italian song

Makkaroni storytelling café – Antonella Giurano in conversation with Aurora Rodonò

COSMO italiano – 7 videos for 70 years of Italians in Germany

‘Makkaroni Settanta’ is an artistic project that views migration as a multifaceted process – a story of roots and new beginnings, courage and innovation. At a time when migration is often portrayed in simplistic terms, we need spaces that highlight complex realities and encourage the courage to think and create in new ways.

- Rosanna D'Ortona, initiator of the exhibition and co-founder of the Makkaroni Academy

Funding programme
General Project Funding

Applicant
Makkaroni Akademie / Rosanna D'Ortona

Location
Cologne

Project Period
2025

Topics / Formats
Migration, Home, Workshops, Exhibition

Websites
www.makkaroni-akademie.de
www.instagram.com/makkaroniakademie