ArtLab 20 Bergamo: 34 partners for post-Covid cultural revival

From September 23 to 26, 2020, the city of Bergamo hosts ArtLab, the independent Italian platform promoted by Fondazione Fitzcarraldo dedicated to innovation in cultural policies, programs, and practices. The event, originally planned before the pandemic, has taken on symbolic significance as Bergamo was the Italian city hardest hit by Covid-19. Supported by main partners Comune di Bergamo and Fondazione Cariplo, ArtLab brings together 34 partners—foundations and cultural operators—both in presence and online. Nine of the 18 scheduled sessions take place in person at Monastero del Carmine, Sala del Consiglio Comunale, and Sala Galmozzi. Key topics include the relationship between culture and welfare (organized with CCW-Cultural Welfare Center), public-private partnerships, independent cultural centers' needs, the role of foundations in territorial cultural presidia, artistic practices for territorial development in marginal areas, and a critical reflection on Bergamo and Brescia as Italian Capitals of Culture 2023. Mayor Giorgio Gori and Fondazione Fitzcarraldo president Ugo Bacchella emphasize the event's role in envisioning a more sustainable, solidary, and creative post-Covid society.