28 young authors from the “School in Hospital” programme at the National Cancer Institute of Milan present 64 works at Palazzo Pretorio. Sondrio, 14 to 28 October, free entry.

 “A carnival of colours”. “The moon is in the sky and the girls are the stars”. “Linien skandal”. These are the titles chosen by children as they go through a care journey. Behind each one is a decision they have made: a colour, a shape, a name for what they have created.

From 14 to 28 October, these works—along with many others—leave the hospital and move into the heart of Sondrio. They are signed by 28 children and young people aged 3 to 14, who, during the “School in Hospital” lessons, encountered Kandinsky’s work.

Being an author to show your own world

A care journey is made up of schedules, therapies, and decisions taken by others. During those days, a blank sheet of paper becomes one of the few places where you choose for yourself. “Authors of Beauty” begins right here: exactly when you feel most fragile, creating something of your own changes the way you live in the world. You discover you can invent, take a stand, and leave a mark that lasts.

Kandinsky was the ideal starting point. In abstract art, there’s no model to copy, no right or wrong drawing, and no grade. There is only the gesture of the person painting—and that gesture is entirely their own.

“In hospital, children receive a great deal of attention, but rarely does anyone ask them what they want to say. In front of Kandinsky’s colours, we saw people’s looks change: those who were tired started choosing; those who were quiet found a title for their work. The school in hospital also serves this purpose: helping people feel that the desire to learn and to express themselves doesn’t stop” — Monica Giovanetti, teacher for the “School in Hospital” Section – ICS Scarpa.

Listening to the artists

This exhibition isn’t just there to be seen—it’s there to be heard. Next to the works, a QR code opens 48 recorded messages in which the young artists explain in their own words what they did and why. All it takes is a smartphone to listen to them.

“Being recognised as an author has enormous value: you stop being only someone who is looked after and become someone who has something to say. Exhibiting these works means recognising these children for who they are: citizens, and authors of culture in their own right. Fragility doesn’t suspend this right. It makes it even more urgent” — Francesca Gentile, co-founder of Alchemilla Impresa Sociale.

The baton is passed to the schools of Sondrio

The exhibition is designed to introduce people to these artists’ work and to spark further creativity. Fifteen classes took up the invitation. Around 300 children and young people—from primary school age through to middle school—will see the exhibition and then go on to the other side, creating their own work.

They will take part in this cultural pathway:

• Early years: Munari, The Germoglio, Coloured Notes (3 sections)
• Primary: Quadrio, Rackets, Credaro (7 classes)
• Lower secondary: Sassi, Albosaggia (5 classes)

“From the start, we welcomed very positively the opportunity for an exhibition of works by young oncology patients who can tell our citizens—and our young students—so much about their difficult journey to health,” says Marcella Fratta, Councillor for Culture, Education and Education, Municipality of Sondrio.

“We are very pleased with the number of classes that took part in the initiative, and we hope that the workshops offered to students will help create young people with a more conscious approach to other people’s needs—more open, and more willing and supportive towards those who are suffering.”

What was created in an oncology paediatric ward becomes a gift for an entire city.

Alongside school visits, the exhibition is open to everyone, with free entry, on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 15:00 to 18:00, and on Saturday from 09:00 to 13:00.

Organisers and partners

“Authors of Beauty” is promoted by the Insieme per Fily Association and devised by Alchemilla Impresa Sociale. It was created in collaboration with the “School in Hospital” Section – ICS Scarpa, where the works were born. The exhibition has the patronage of the Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori of Milan, the Municipality of Sondrio, and the Regional Council of Lombardy, and it benefits from logistical support from Aldieri Autotrasporti S.p.A.

“Our daily commitment is to stand alongside children and their families throughout their care journeys. With ‘Authors of Beauty’, we do this in a new way: we take their creativity out of the hospital and ask everyone to recognise it for what it is—art. The exhibition catalogue is on sale: every copy bought becomes a tangible help for the families we support.” — Antonio Finocchio, President of the Insieme per Fily Association.

Insieme per Fily Onlus stands alongside children and young people facing cancer, and alongside their families. It also supports scientific research through donations to the National Cancer Institute of Milan. It offers families summer holidays during treatment, brings games and school aids into the ward, and funds a series of initiatives to make hospital days a little easier.

Information

Exhibition: Authors of Beauty. Recognising yourself as an artist starting with Kandinsky

Where: Palazzo Pretorio, Piazza Campello 1, Sondrio

When: 14 to 28 October 2026

Opening times: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 15:00–18:00; Saturday 09:00–13:00

Entry: Free