Ex-Church Becomes Cultural Hub in Salerno

The former 16th-century church of San Sebastiano del Monte dei Morti in Salerno's historic center will reopen in September as iMorticelli, the city's first cultural production center with a social mission. The project, led by the Blam collective (founded by Alessia Elefante, Ludovica La Rocca, and Andrea Mazza), transforms the abandoned church into a Community Hub through urban regeneration ongoing since 2018. After winning the Creative Living Lab public notice from the Ministry of Culture's Directorate General for Contemporary Creativity, the space now operates under a new loan agreement with the municipality. The collective has developed four action lines: Performance and Wonder, Future for children and under-16s, Workshops and Training, and Proximity (including a welcome point, neighborhood info desk, and social café). The space will be open five days a week. A yearly challenge focuses on environmental sustainability. The team also advocates for reducing car traffic in Largo Plebiscito square. Blam aims to lower the age of its audience to under-35 and foster intergenerational exchange. The project's success is measured by community solidarity and professional collaborations. Blam is also involved in regenerating Montevergine Park and a former football field in eastern Salerno.