MILAN — L’Oréal Italia has committed to become one of the main institutional partners of the Rome-based academy of performing arts L’Arte nel cuore, or “Art in the Heart,” and support the overall activities and projects of the institution. The academy is the first of its kind in Europe, which addresses both disabled and able-bodied students to overcome cultural and mental barriers by sharing a common experience.
“Thanks to the reinforcement of the partnership with L’Oréal, we are able to give new impulses to the challenge of disability, which was launched 10 years ago, with projects that go into the direction of integration and removal of prejudice,” said Daniela Alleruzzo, founder and president of the academy. “To represent disability as an added value, as a resource, is the only way to impart a cultural change in the country.”
L’Oréal is also looking into that change and has been sending its up-and-coming young managers to the school for a training course with disabled students for the past two years. During the course, new recruits interact with the help of a professional coach with the students in order to learn resilience and the ability to confront difficult moments with courage and determination.
“We are happy that this partnership will be enriched and grow stronger,” said Cristina Scocchia, chief executive officer of L’Oréal Italia. “Since 2014, more than 80 young L’Oréal managers have been informed by children with disabilities in L’Arte nel cuore. Exceptional people who were able to join hands with our staff, helping them to express their emotions without filters and without masks,” she added.