On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, EuroMilano, now Near res, renews its commitment through the “100 red chairs” installation and the photo exhibition “Donne e motori? Gioie e basta”

November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, represents an opportunity for EuroMilano to reaffirm a commitment that has long characterized its vision of urban regeneration: the construction of public spaces that promote gender equality, inclusion and safety through concrete and lasting projects. At UpTown Milano, this commitment manifests through two complementary initiatives that use the language of design, art and culture to transform spaces into places of awareness and change.

Donne e motori? Gioie e basta: culture against stereotypes

On November 25, the fourth edition of the traveling photo exhibition “Donne e motori? Gioie e basta” (Women and cars? Nothing but joy) opens at the Museo Fratelli Cozzi in Legnano. Conceived by Elisabetta Cozzi and promoted by the Friends of Museo Fratelli Cozzi association, UpTown Milano is among the sponsors of the initiative. Following its national preview at Milano AutoClassica (21-23 November), the exhibition will begin a new national tour that will also stop at UpTown Milano.

Having reached hundreds of thousands of visitors across more than fifty locations in Italy and abroad during its first three editions, the exhibition confirms its status as one of Italy’s most important cultural projects dedicated to the valuation of women in the automotive world. The fourth edition introduces a significant update: the theme “Men alongside women on the path to equality” features testimonials portrayed by photographer Camilla Albertini together with men they have chosen for their concrete commitment to closing the gender gap, proving that gender equality is a shared responsibility.

Among the project’s most significant achievements is the transformation of the digital narrative: while a Google search for “donne e motori” (women and cars), previously returned almost exclusively stereotypical and disrespectful representations, today over half of the results belong to shots from the exhibition a concrete sign of an ongoing cultural shift.

100 red chairs: a frequented space is a safe space

At UpTown Milano, the “Donne e motori” exhibition will be hosted at Cascina Spazio Vivo, alongside the permanent installation “100 sedie rosse” (100 red chairs). Created in collaboration with EMU Group, this project continues to transform the farmhouse courtyard into a catalyst for urban sociality. The one hundred red chairs and corresponding tables, freely available for citizens to use without consumption requirements or time limits, represent a concrete example of placemaking: a democratic public space where the presence and interaction of people help create a safer environment for everyone.

The color red is not an aesthetic choice, but a reference to the symbol of the fight against violence towards women. The installation is based on a principle as simple as it is effective: a frequented space is a safe space. The vibrancy of the area, spontaneous gathering and the free use of public space thus become tools for safety, which is particularly significant in the design of urban environments attentive to the well-being of women.

The project is part of EuroMilano’s response to Goal 5 of the 2030 Agenda on gender equality and includes an ongoing program of activities, workshops and meetings dedicated to women, designed to create opportunities for discussion, personal growth and professional development.