Seminar on mosaics: a bridge with the Lebanese State University
Yesterday, Wednesday 14 January 2026, an international seminar dedicated to mosaics was held, with the participation of the Scuola Mosaicisti del Friuli and the Lebanese State University, Tyre campus, promoted and coordinated by the Taurinense Alpine Brigade.
Through a videoconference link, which virtually connected the Aula Magna of the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Tyre and that of the Scuola Mosaicisti del Friuli, the Seminar on mosaics in ancient and modern art, a bridge over the Mediterranean between Tyre and Spilimbergo, saw the participation of speakers from both academic institutions.
Mosaics, a subject of study and research and an expression of Italian and Lebanese cultural heritage, with their ancient testimonies and contemporary variations, became the subject of an exchange between students, teachers and institutional representatives with the aim of exploring and promoting this art form not only as a document of the past to be preserved and valued, but also as a universal language capable of uniting peoples and cultures.
The proceedings were opened by General David Colussi, Commander of the Western Sector of the UNIFIL Mission, who emphasised how, in a context currently marked by tension and instability, the initiative is part of a broader commitment by the Italian contingent to promoting culture as a tool for openness and stability, recognising the central role of art in fostering dialogue, mutual understanding and social development. Prof. Firas Hijazi of the Lebanese State University then presented the various topics of study in detail. The first session was dedicated to the origins and history of mosaics, with a presentation by Dr Danila Venuto, lecturer in mosaic history at the Scuola Mosaicisti del Friuli. The session explored mosaics in antiquity and in the civilisations of the Mediterranean, including Mesopotamia, Greece and the Roman Empire, and the various artistic and symbolic functions that mosaics served.
Dr Gian Piero Brovedani, director of the historic institution, spoke about the role currently played by the Scuola Mosaicisti del Friuli in mosaic art. After a brief mention of its foundation, citing important names of master mosaicists and international projects, he retraced the century-old history of the school to the present day, where the teaching of traditional techniques is accompanied by research into contemporary solutions and materials.
The focus then shifted to Lebanon’s mosaic heritage. Prof. Hassan Ramez Badawi’s report, with a view to preserving and enhancing mosaic artefacts and archaeological sites, highlighted Phoenician and Roman influences and subsequent Byzantine and Islamic influences, illustrating their differences based on the subjects represented and geometric and floral motifs.
Mosaic as a universal language of peace and identity is the vision offered by Dr Youssef Ghazaoui, who, through references and quotations and by referring to various artists and works in different countries, gave mosaic a social interpretation: a reflection on the importance of art in the life and development of man and communities.
The conclusions were entrusted to the mayor of Tyre, Hassan Dbouk, and the president of the Scuola Mosaicisti del Friuli, Stefano Lovison. Both expressed their gratitude to Gen. David Colussi and the Taurinense Alpine Brigade for the opportunity and the creation of a space for open discussion for teachers, students and scholars in the field of mosaics. It was a fruitful meeting for the knowledge and study of ancient mosaics and the culture of Mediterranean civilisations, which both hope will be repeated: an event where mosaics are both a driving force for cultural cooperation and an opportunity for the professional advancement of young Lebanese people.
«Opening the doors of our school, albeit virtually, to important opportunities for studying the art of mosaics is a source of growth for us. For our part, we offer our expertise in mosaic art and our experience in training, research and artistic production» concluded President Lovison. «I hope that this meeting between the cultures of our peoples will lead to important opportunities for our Lebanese friends, whom I hope to see soon here in Spilimbergo».
The seminar poster
President Stefano Lovison and Director Gian Piero Brovedani connected with the Lebanese University
from the Aula Magna of the Scuola Mosaicisti del Friuli.
The seminar held in the Great Hall of the Faculty of Science at the University of Tiro
(image taken from the news item published on the Ministry of Defence website)
The news item on the Ministry of Defence website
January 15, 2026
