A new friendship between communities across the Atlantic begins

The City of Farmington will welcome a delegation from Vacri, Italy, on Tuesday, October 22, marking the beginning of a new international friendship rooted in shared values, history, and culture.

The visit represents a growing partnership between Farmington and Vacri, a picturesque town in Italy’s Abruzzo region. During the visit, the two communities will sign a Letter of Cooperation, formalizing their mutual commitment to fostering lasting connections and cultural understanding. Key areas of collaboration include historic preservation, economic development, and cultural exchange.

“This partnership is about more than shared projects,” said Farmington Mayor Joe LaRussa, who has been cultivating this relationship. “It’s about people — learning from one another, celebrating our differences, and discovering how much we have in common.”

Mayor LaRussa explained that the upcoming visit is the result of nearly 10 months of subnational diplomacy between Farmington and Vacri. “Amicizia means friendship in Italian, and that’s exactly what has evolved from our ongoing dialogue,” added Mayor LaRussa.

The four-day visit will feature:

• A tour through downtown Farmington with stops at local businesses, as well as Ravencrows

·         Participation in a hands-on art project at Fired and Fused

• Dedication of a piece of artwork – a gift from the Consulate of Italy
• A Letter of Cooperation signing ceremony
• Hosted meals by the Italian American Club of Livonia (whose president is a Farmington resident)

·         Ringing the bell at Farmington’s Annual Haunted Farmers Market

The Consulate of Italy is donating the art piece to the City of Farmington, as part of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs “Giornata del Contemporaneo” (day of contemporary art) where Italian artists around the world are promoted. Durning the visit, Italian artist Marco Mazzei (@marco_mazzei_artist) will create and present this art piece as a gift to the City of Farmington.  Fitting for the autumn season, Mazzei’s work will feature a leaf design, that will be displayed at Farmington City Hall. The community is invited to the dedication ceremony on Saturday, October 25, at 11:30 a.m., at City Hall, 23600 Liberty Street.

The Michigan Municipal League is supporting this collaboration through a Local Economies Grant, part of its Local Economies pilot program. These microgrants fund creative, community-driven projects that strengthen small business ecosystems and foster equitable local economies.

The City of Farmington extends its gratitude to OHM Advisors, the city’s engineering partner, for their sponsorship and support in helping make the delegation’s visit possible.

“Farmington’s collaboration with Vacri opens doors to cultural, educational, and economic opportunities that reach far beyond city borders,” said Farmington City Manager David Murphy. “It’s an exciting step toward building a truly global community right here in Farmington.”