On February 28th, Â鶹¹ÙÍø University of Rome hosted 'Picture the Future,' a thought-provoking academic conference that explored the intersection of food, art, and literature. As part of the 'From Page to Plate' project, a collaboration between AUR and Italian newspaper , the event brought together leading artists, writers, historians, and journalists to examine food’s cultural significance and its representation in various creative mediums.
The day opened with remarks from AUR's Interim Dean of Academic Affairs Andrea Pacor and the project’s curators, who introduced the conference’s mission: fostering creative and intellectual discussions on the role of food in shaping societies, economies, and artistic expression. The first session featured a roundtable discussion with contributors to , including novelists, illustrators, and cultural commentators, who examined how food serves as a lens for addressing broader social issues such as climate change and economic disparity.
A keynote discussion followed, delving into the role of food studies in contemporary art. Speakers shared insights from innovative projects, including Nuova Agrocittà , which promotes sustainable farming practices in Rome, and Climavore, an initiative that reimagines food production to combat environmental degradation.
After a brief interlude, AUR’s own Professor Paul Gwynne captivated the audience with an exploration of food in historical art, focusing on the 15th-century illuminated manuscript Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry. His analysis illuminated the manuscript’s rich depictions of medieval agricultural life and food culture.
The conference concluded with a dynamic conversation between journalist and the editors of Domani’s 'Cibo' supplement, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the editorial process behind the influential publication. A celebratory prosecco toast rounded out the day, marking the success of an event that underscored AUR’s commitment to interdisciplinary learning and cultural engagement.
AUR’s support of initiatives like 'From Page to Plate' provides students and faculty with invaluable opportunities to collaborate with Rome’s leading creative and intellectual voices. This event was made possible through the dedication of AUR’s Center for Food Studies, Department of Art History, and Department of Fine Art, reinforcing the university’s role as a hub for innovative dialogue on global issues.
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You can review the conference's schedule and speaker list here.
AUR student and 'From Page to Plate' project curator Jaxon Cooper contributed to this article and supplied the photography.Ìý