A bridge between Culture and Society
The Benetton Group has long been involved in a series of cultural, social, artistic and sporting activities. Some of these, such as the Benetton Foundation, which focuses on issues relating to the preservation and promotion of the local culture and landscape heritage, reflect the strong links which the Group has traditionally maintained with its territorial roots. The territorial ties are also an important component of Benetton’s approach to sport. From its involvement in rugby, volleyball and basketball, to its historic victories in Formula One, the Group promotes not only the quest for competitive excellence, but an important social element focusing on participation.

Others reflect the Group’s international outlook, such as the Leleque Museum under the patronage of Benetton in Patagonia or the Pivano Library. Always with an international spirit, open to research and a desire of documentation, are Fabrica, Benetton’s communication research centre, and Colors, the magazine about the rest of the world.The social commitment of the Benetton Group has been developing for decades thanks to the strong relationship and cooperation with renown international non profit organizations.

The Benetton Foundation, established in 1987, promotes initiatives on both international and local levels, with the aim of safeguarding and raising awareness of natural heritage. It also organizes multiple initiatives at its headquarters which is comprised of two prestigious historic buildings. The main field of scientific activity concerns the knowledge, study and management of landscape.

During the year, the Foundation organizes seminars, short courses, study trips and experimental workshops. Moreover, a campaign of study and publications is organized on a site designated by an international jury who then awards the International Carlo Scarpa Prize for Gardens. In this field of research and experimentation, the Foundation collaborates to the construction of a new-concept European university. In the Palazzo Caotorta, the Benetton Foundation also boasts a comprehensive documentation centre, comprised of a library which contains more than sixty thousand volumes, maps and images archive. It has received some important donations: the works of Lino Bianchi Barriviera, one of the great engravers of 20th-century Italy; the libraries of Ippolito Pizzetti and Fernanda Pivano; and Gaetano Cozzi’s house. Moreover, in the Palazzo Bomben the Foundation has exposition rooms and an auditorium where it organizes cultural, scientific, artistic and musical events, devoted particularly to the city and the youth and school world. For more info see www.fbsr.it

Under the patronage of Benetton in Patagonia, the Leleque museum was inaugurated as the result of the will and passion of both Pablo Korchenewski, who has devoted an entire lifetime to collecting artefacts of Patagonian populations, and of Carlo Benetton. It is the first and only such structure dedicated to the history of Patagonia. More than 15,000 exhibits, including archaeological remains, testimony, documents and photographs narrate 13,000 years of history and culture of a mythical land.

The Leleque Museum narrates the experience of indigenous peoples and immigrants in Patagonia, the changes undergone by the societies living in the territory and the relationship between different ethnic groups. Their conflicts, beliefs, and religious rites are some of the issues approached in this long history. One hundred meters away from the “La Trochita” rails, at the very foot of the Andes, in the same environment inhabited by Indians thousands of years ago, visitors, immersed in the sound of the wind, can appreciate and discover their history. For more info see www.benetton.com/patagonia

Benetton has always held strong links with its town of origin and was keen to offer its help in creating a children’s centre. Its purpose is to provide an essential service which will improve the quality of life and work of the Group employees, and give support to the community. In planning an educational facility aimed at excellence, and conscious of the ethic and social role of its corporate culture, Benetton Group placed great importance on social interaction, research and the wellbeing of the community and therefore appointed Reggio Children as the pedagogic consultant for the new school.

The centre was designed by Alberto Campo Baeza, an internationally renowned Spanish architect. For more info see Press Release