PROVIDENCE, R.I. [Brown University] — On August 31, 1954, the devastating force of Hurricane Carol crashed onto New England’s shores, marking a pivotal moment in the region’s meteorological history. In Rhode Island, this fierce Category 3 hurricane unleashed its wrath with peak wind gusts soaring to 135 mph, resulting in catastrophic flooding that submerged parts of Providence under as much as 12 feet of water. Coastal neighborhoods faced overwhelming storm surges, leaving behind a scene of destruction characterized by uprooted trees, submerged vehicles, and extensively damaged homes and structures.
Seventy years post-hurricane, Rhode Islanders, alongside other coastal communities, find themselves wrestling with crucial inquiries: What insights can be gleaned from historical climate catastrophes? In what ways have coastal regions adapted to cultivate resilience against future storms? And how equipped are our cities in the face of an impending major hurricane?
These pressing questions will be at the forefront during “Sott’Acqua: A Tale of Two Cities Underwater” — a publicly accessible festival taking place across Providence, including at Brown University, from November 9 to 17.
The festival — originally conceived by Splendor of Florence in 1998 to celebrate Italian culture and its rich influence in Rhode Island — proudly partners with the Downtown Providence Parks Network. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the historic friendship pact that unites Providence and Florence, Italy. Both cities endured monumental floods, with Providence submerged in 1954 and Florence experiencing devastation in 1966.
In an effort to honor those monumental occasions and raise awareness about the ongoing impacts of climate change, the festival will showcase a dynamic array of programs and events. Attendees can engage in interactive art workshops, enjoy a film screening, partake in culinary tastings, view photo exhibits, and participate in expert-led discussions revolving around climate resilience.
Joyce Acciaoli Rudge, founder and creative director of Splendor of Florence, emphasized the festival’s goal to highlight the local ramifications of global climate change while fostering urban resilience and community-driven action through a unique fusion of art, music, science, and history.
“With catastrophic climate events rising, I hope that the programs during the Splendor of Florence festival will elevate our awareness of climate change, and perhaps, even motivate action,” Acciaoli Rudge remarked. “We are tremendously appreciative of our partners, including Brown, RISD, Save the Bay, Providence Resilience Partnership, and all of our sponsors, for coordinating timely and significant programs. The festival also presents us with an opportunity to celebrate the renewal of our friendship pact with Florence, rekindling ties between our two cities after 25 years.”
Learning from the past, preparing for the future
On Brown’s campus, the University will feature an engaging two-part event on November 13 and 14, organized by the Brown Arts Institute and the Department of Italian Studies in collaboration with the Office of Global Engagement.
Asabe Poloma, associate provost for global engagement, noted that Brown’s involvement in the Splendor of Florence festival reinforces the University’s dedication to fostering both local and global engagement on pressing issues while celebrating the cultural richness of Providence and Florence.
On Wednesday, November 13, local community members will have the opportunity to attend a film screening featuring “Per Firenze,” directed by the esteemed Franco Zeffirelli, alongside “Natural Disasters in Rhode Island,” produced by the Rhode Island Historical Society. The two films will showcase rare and impactful footage capturing the chaos of Hurricane Carol in 1954 and the catastrophic 1966 flood in Florence, which saw over 19 inches of rain fall within a mere 24 hours, leading to the overflowing Arno river inundating the city. Opening remarks will be delivered by Providence Mayor Brett Smiley and Arnaldo Minuti, the consul general of Italy in Boston.
On Thursday, November 14, a diverse panel of scientists, practitioners, and policymakers will convene for a roundtable discussion titled “Climate Science and Climate Action in the Aftermath of Two Natural Disasters.” This insightful exchange will delve into climate change, featuring a dialogue among scholars and community leaders from both Florence and Providence, intertwining scientific insights with humanistic perspectives on flood vulnerability, infrastructure preservation, cultural heritage protection, climate action, education, justice, and community resilience.
Moderating the discussion will be Cornelia Dean, a prominent science writer and former science editor for the New York Times. Panelists will include: April Brown, a representative from the Racial and Environmental Justice Committee; Enrica Caporali, an associate professor at the University of Florence; Manuel Cordero, founder of Civic, Inc; Emanuele Di Lorenzo, a professor of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences at Brown; Macarena Gomez-Barris, a professor of Modern Culture and Media at Brown; and Kyle McElroy, a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Rhode Island.
Massimo Riva, a professor of Italian studies at Brown who will serve as the moderator for the film screening, expressed that both events present unique opportunities to examine the specific challenges posed by climate change on a global scale, from both scientific and cultural lenses.
“Florence is one of the most significant art cities in the world, and Providence is one of the most remarkable architectural cities in America: both communities carry the burden and duty to preserve their rich and diverse cultural and human heritage and prevent its potential loss, protecting in particular the most fragile elements of our society,” Riva elaborated. “Both communities, including academic institutions, city administrations, and local climate activists in either country can only benefit from exchanging their experiences and knowledge, exploring and establishing collaboration in the face of a common struggle.”
Both events will be hosted at Martinos Auditorium in Brown’s Granoff Center for Creative Arts, located at 154 Angell St. in Providence. They are free and open to the public, yet advance registration is required.
### Interview with Joyce Acciaoli Rudge: Founder and Creative Director of Splendor of Florence
**Editor:** Joyce, thank you for joining us today. As we approach the “Sott’Acqua” festival, why do you think it’s important to reflect on historical climate events, such as Hurricane Carol in 1954?
**Joyce Acciaoli Rudge:** Thank you for having me! Reflecting on historical climate events is crucial because it allows us to understand the patterns of destruction and resilience that communities have faced. Hurricane Carol was a turning point for Rhode Island, revealing vulnerabilities and pushing us to adapt and respond. By revisiting these events, we can leverage our knowledge to foster a more resilient future.
**Editor:** The festival aims to raise awareness about the ongoing impacts of climate change. Can you tell us how art and culture play a role in this mission?
**Joyce Acciaoli Rudge:** Absolutely! Art and culture are powerful means of communication. They can evoke emotions, provoke thought, and inspire action. Through interactive workshops, film screenings, and discussions, we aim to engage the community in a dialogue about climate resilience. By merging these fields, we can foster a collective understanding and spur community-driven actions.
**Editor:** The partnership with cities like Florence is quite symbolic. How does this international relationship enhance the festival’s message on climate resilience?
**Joyce Acciaoli Rudge:** The friendship pact between Providence and Florence is a testament to our shared histories of resilience against natural disasters. By connecting these two cities, we celebrate not only our cultural ties but also our common challenges with climate change. It highlights that we are all part of the same global struggle, and collaboration is essential for developing effective solutions.
**Editor:** Can you share a bit about the key events taking place during the festival, specifically the film screenings and panel discussions?
**Joyce Acciaoli Rudge:** Of course! On November 13, we’ll showcase films featuring historical footage of Hurricane Carol and Florence’s 1966 flood. This will provide a visceral understanding of the chaos that ensues during these disasters. The following day, our panel discussion will bring together scientists, policymakers, and community leaders to discuss climate action and the lessons we’ve learned. It’s this blend of history and present-day dialogue that we hope will resonate with attendees.
**Editor:** what is your hope for the festival in terms of its impact on the community?
**Joyce Acciaoli Rudge:** My hope is that attendees become more aware of the pressing nature of climate change and feel empowered to take action within their communities. By connecting through art, music, and science, we can inspire new ideas and initiatives that promote resilience. We know the stakes are high, but together, we can work towards a brighter, more sustainable future.
