Istituto Antoniano was created in
Bologna in
1953 by the
Franciscans, (the Lesser Friars). The Convent of the Franciscans who govern the establishment is built next to the Church of St. Antonio, hence the name of the Institute. The Antoniano Institute was established as a community services initiative with the goal of helping the less fortunate, a favourite inspirational life rule of the Franciscans. In 1953 poverty was quite widely spread throughout Italy and the Antoniano set up a soup kitchen that still exists today. Over the years however the Antoniano has expanded and widened its range of initiatives particularly so as to service the needs of children, and since
1961 the Institute has been the prime organiser of the
Zecchino d'Oro festival of song for children. The Instituto Antoniano has three choirs, ballet school, drama school etc. There is also a special after-school for children with
Down syndrome.
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