Creativity at Work

When Anthropology Meets Manifestation

This short documentary tells the story of the "Creativity at Work" anthropology conference at the University of Bologna from the EASA Applied Anthropology Network, the Departments of History and Cultures and of Education Studies from Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, and Università degli Studi di Verona.

The event, with more than 300 international participants, was unexpectedly interrupted by widespread pro-Palestinian protests across Italy on October 3rd, 2025. But instead of stopping the conference, organizers, faculty, students, and strike leaders chose to adapt the agenda around the political manifestations taking place. What unfolds is a powerful example of how anthropology can go beyond the "ivory towers of academia" through creative and active practice, open to improvisation, listening, adapting to complex social dynamics, and standing in solidarity with real-world movements.

The documentary itself is part of this creativity in action, using visual anthropology and storytelling to adapt to the events and capture the energy and urgency of the moment, showing how anthropology can help us understand and engage with the world around us in meaningful way