Abandoned school in Umbria reborn as cultural center La Scuoletta

In San Liberatore di Collestatte, a hamlet of Terni with fewer than 100 residents, two local families have purchased the abandoned village school at auction from the municipality. Built in the mid-20th century, the school operated until the 1970s and later served informally as a recreational club before closing. The families aim to transform it into La Scuoletta, a cultural and social space to counter depopulation. Architect Francesco Andreani is designing the renovation, which will use local stone and include a bistrot and a terrace-theater. Permits are expected by year-end. Governance involves Associazione Demetra di Terni and C.U.R.A. (Centro Umbro di Residenze Artistiche, founded 2018). A two-week co-design residency runs September 19 to October 3, with three participants selected from over 40 applicants via an open call for artists, architects, designers, narrators, facilitators, and social innovation experts. The residency will focus on community needs mapping, historical material collection, and activity planning. La Scuoletta will prioritize visual and performing arts, aiming to involve the local community in management.