Prof. Graziano Martignoni, Psychiatrist, Psychoanalyst, University  of Fribourg and Scuola Universitaria Professionale della Svizzera Italiana   

Prof. Claudio Risé, Psychoanalyst, Journalist and Writer, University dell'Insubria, Varese (I) 

Prof. Ilario Rossi, Anthropologist, University of Lausanne, Dep. of Medicina e Salute Comunitaria e Fac. di Scienze Sociali e Politiche  

Dr. Giovanni Simona, Geographer, Alta Scuola Pedagogica del Canton Ticino e Gruppo Pangea

April 2003

An appeal to save the Eranos Foundation

Located in Moscia, near Ascona on the western shore of Lago Maggiore, 3 houses surrounded by a large park have been the site of one  of the most important cultural centers of the 20^th century.

The Eranos Foundation was established by Olga Froebe-Kapteyn in conjunction with the great swiss psychoanalyst C.G. Jung. At Eranos, conferences were held for nearly 70 years hosting the best-known researchers in cultural history not only from Europe, but from the entire world. Famous names such as Corbin, Suzuki,  Eliade, Kerenyi, Portmann, Hillman, Durand, Servier, Brun and others presented their research and considerations and involved their audience in discussions following the lectures. All the conferences were published annually in the yearbooks of Eranos, which were printed in several languages and can be found in libraries throughout the world. Eranos has contributed in a substantial way to the fields of psychology, cultural anthropology, mysticising etc. promoting a dialogue between various cultures and more specifically between East and West. These early investigations are still of great relevance and offer ample material for further research.

Since 1933, the year in which Eranos began its conferences, the Foundation has always funded itself thanks to  contributions by cultural promoters and benefactors, without government grants. Unfortunately today, seventy years after the birth of this project, the Foundation finds itself facing a difficult financial situation and its position as a contributor to world culture is threatened and risks being closed definitively. A small group of people who are connected to the Foundation is trying to save the property and the library from being sold and has contacted various organisations to save the future of Eranos. Daniele Bonetti from Locarno has been given the responsability by the Foundation to restructure and reconceptualize the organisation. This means obviously to secure the continuation of the scientific and cultural vision of Eranos. On the other hand, the difficult financial situation makes it necessary to expand the cultural activities of Eranos, notably by improving  the existing premises and making a better use of the infrastructures, increasing activities and interactions with the sustaining members. In the same vein, several institutions that have collaborated with Eranos in the past will be addressed for renewed contact.

In the future Eranos, also maintaining its status as a private foundation, Eranos should be ruled by a board of directors including local, regional and govermental rapresentatives and other related institutes. In addition a scientific board will be created to develop conferences, seminaries and guide the relationships between the various research institutions. 

The group of supporters endeavoring to save the fate of Eranos has contacted various public officials who have happily shown a genuine interest. The first persons to sign this petition are individuals who believe that a personal pledge may help public institutions to join their concern for the survival of Eranos.

A support group backing the efforts indicated in this appeal would constitute a strong message evoking the vital cultural past and future of Eranos. We invite you to sign this petition by filling out the form attached. Your name will be added to the list of the supporters of this initiative to promote Eranos. The letter will be submitted to the local and regional public institutions.

We thank you for your kind attention, we hope to be able to count on your support.

Sincerely yours

First subscribers:

          Prof. Graziano Martignoni                          Prof. Claudio Risé 

              Prof. Ilario Rossi                                      Dr. Giovanni Simona