I recently read an article appeared on Il Sole 24 Ore, the Italian financial newspaper, which features an Italian businessman, Diego della Valle, founder of the firm Tod’s (leather bags and shoes) advocating for more culture & work in the Italian society. He, who privately financed the renovation of the Colosseum, one of the historic symbols of Italy, recognized the power of cultural heritage as the foundation of a new political economy.
A new spur in the economic wheel could be made possible by financing culture, preserving the cultural heritage and breathing history and as an economic tool for development ( both for tourism inbound and for Italians to truly enjoy their world heritage and take care of it). This trend of strengthening public-private business relationships can be a turning point and a truly important element in the development of societies where young people still struggle to find a job, and where social exclusion appears on the agenda of the day.
New forms of dialogue, multicultural understanding, tolerance and thus, progress, is possible thanks to the power of culture. Culture is everywhere and can be expressed through art, poetry, writings, literature, comics, magazines, newspapers, movies and cinema, visual and audio content, radio and television, music, fashion, design, architecture. The opportunity to increase local participation and thus include every citizen in the decision-making process and in the local sphere through the artistic expression of people in the communities, local artists and creative industries is key to expand the basin of development , foster creativity, learn to live together and build more conscious, responsible, ethical, sustainable and inclusive societies, based on knowledge sharing, understanding of differences and richness in diversity.
The power of Culture is mostly shown in cities. A good example materialized yesterday when I was visiting with a friend Matadero, a multidisciplinary open cultural and creative contemporary space that the town hall of Madrid opened in 2006 to favor the exchange of ideas and the creative participation of the citizens to create, offer food for thoughts, learn and enjoy.
Another project that caught my attention was Los Madriles, a urban development project to upgrade the state of the neighborhoods of Madrid by, for example, creating new green spaces and gardens, encouraging artistic development and opening cultural and social community centers. If you check the local initiatives of citizens in the city here, a map shows the projects and initiatives developed within the different districts, divided by themes: from sustainable urban spaces and sustainable consumption, to urban art, cinema, sports and education, passing by collaborative economy initiatives and projects to reach a higher level of social inclusion, respect of labor rights and equality among people and same opportunities no matter the genders and the vulnerability of people.
These initiatives generate dialogue, sharing of knowledge, tools and experiences. Open spaces, free and for everyone, where you can go, sit and study in the computer labs, where you can go with your kids and play and have a picnic with your friends and a safe space where you can read and consult books and publications. A dynamic space for the community and to really feel part of the the city you are in and of the global village that surrounds you. I am learning that urban development, if it is sustainable and it includes all, can benefit the society and the people living in it, decreasing levels of violence and crime and allowing a more prosperous ground for ideas generations, open-mindedness and peoples’ understanding,
For more projects on urban development, local economic development, safer and more inclusive cities on a local and international level, check the policy papers of UN-Habitat, the Human Settlements Programme of the United Nations, here.
For more projects encouraging the building of more peaceful and inclusive societies, in the framework of cultural expression, creative industries, education and knowledge sharing and management and scientific research, i can redirect you to UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, here.
Let’s work for the advancement and the sharing of Culture and Knowledge within our living spaces, and, thanks to technology and social media, let’s expand and share our experiences for a more conscious, positive and impactful world where every voice is heard and can make a difference in our lives.
Ciao and see you soon!
Feel free to share your comments, thoughts and ideas!
@GaiaParadiso
The Lighthouse 