The Donate a Word campaign is an ongoing art project initiated by Romanian artist Victoria Zidaru in collaboration with ERA for the Lingua Ignota project, showcased in Venice during the 2024 Art Biennale.
This initiative invites you to share words of kindness that will be gifted to others. Some of these words will be transformed into art objects, intricately embroidered onto canvas and combined with natural elements sealed in wax. They will become part of the site-specific installation or be gifted to visitors during the show.
Additionally, contributed words are also featured on the dedicated website, donateaword.org, envisioned as an interactive tapestry that weaves together words, images, and sounds, allowing online visitors to explore and interact with the contributions by clicking on elements that resonate with them.
Drawing inspiration from the Romanian ‘Descântec’ ritual, this campaign is rooted in the belief in the transformative and therapeutic powers of verbal and symbolic expressions.
So far, contributions have been collected from children housed by the Venetian community of Istituto della Pietà, women from the Romanian village of Liteni in Bucovina, and various other communities and individuals worldwide.
How You Can Participate
Contributing to the “Donate a Word” campaign is simple and open to everyone, regardless of where you are in the world. Here’s how you can leave your mark on this unique artistic endeavor:
• Send a Picture: Capture your handwritten word in a photograph. Feel free to be in the shot or let the word speak for itself.
• Audio Submission: Record yourself saying the word, adding a personal touch with the tone and emotion of your voice.
• Share Your Story: Accompany your word or audio with a message or a short story, adding depth and context to your chosen word.
• Contact Details: Please provide your name, an email address, and your Instagram account to stay connected and follow the journey of your contribution.
Where to Send Your Contributions
• Email: act@donateaword.org
• Instagram: Tag us @ecoresearchart, @victoriazidaru, and use the hashtag #donateaword.
• Web Form: Please use this webform