Compagnia di San Paolo launches ORA!X grant for under-30 creatives

The Compagnia di San Paolo, a Turin-based foundation, has introduced ORA!X, a new grant for artists and designers under 30, as part of its 2018 cultural innovation calls. Announced at Open Injet in Turin, the initiative responds to findings from the earlier ORA! program: among over 250 applicants nationwide, under-30 participation was lower than expected, and project management skills were weak, though winning projects showed strong cultural depth. ORA!X targets individuals rather than organizations, offering training and support to turn ideas into cultural production. Matteo Bagnasco, head of Cultural Innovation at the Compagnia, explained that the grant aims to bridge the gap between training and professional practice, fostering new entities in the cultural sector. The Compagnia's broader strategy focuses on three axes: cultural demand and supply, creative enterprises, and cross-disciplinary approaches, supported by OPEN and ORA! calls. Bagnasco emphasized that artists should focus on creativity while relying on organizational partners, and that the foundation prioritizes risky, innovative projects over blockbuster exhibitions or restorations. The Compagnia is also developing data-driven tools to measure impact, as stated by President Profumo.