130 Gramsci Project: Rethinking Culture's Role in Post-Covid Democracy

The report from Shock Cultura reveals that cultural industries, including museums, performing arts, festivals, and cinema, are facing significant challenges due to anti-Covid measures, with 90% experiencing financial difficulties and millions of jobs endangered. Although government support exists, micro-enterprises, non-profits, and freelance artists remain at risk, according to Art Workers Italia. More than 109 networks have called on the EU to dedicate a minimum of 2% of the Recovery and Resilience Fund to the cultural sector, highlighting Italy's ongoing underfunding (0.8% of GDP compared to France's 1.4%). Additionally, the APS ProPositivo has initiated the 130 Gramsci project to foster discussions about Italy's culture, revisiting Gramsci's idea of the 'organic intellectual.' The article also explores influences from 20th-century avant-garde movements to current efforts in community engagement.