Pigotta Project
What is a Pigotta?
Pigotta is an endearing Milanese pet name for rag doll. Each year the students that have the desire to collaborate with UNICEF, get together to hand-make these rag dolls representing children around the world. These dolls are then exhibited and sold to raise funds for UNICEF.
Each doll represents a “real” child who will benefit from UNICEF’s vaccination campaign. The Pigottas are “adopted” by the public for approximately 20€, the cost of one complete cycle of vaccinations against the six deadly childhood diseases (pertussis, childhood tuberculosis, tetanus, polio, measles, and diphtheria).
The workshop
During the workshop, the students receive a doll's pattern and the materials needed for the project, such as fabric for the body and for the dresses, wool for the hair, needles and various threads. The students are also free to bring their own materials if they want.
When the dolls are finished, the students will name them and they will be given to the UNICEF Office of Florence. Finally, the dolls will be sold by UNICEF collaborators, usually during Christmas time, in the city's main squares.
