Italian Ministry launches Creative Living Lab for urban peripheries

The Italian Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities (Mibact) has launched the first edition of the Creative Living Lab award, aimed at regenerating urban peripheries through contemporary creativity. The initiative is led by the Directorate General for Contemporary Art and Architecture and Urban Peripheries (DGAAP), directed by Federica Galloni. The award has a total budget of €205,000, with a maximum of €34,000 per project, and targets interstitial spaces such as abandoned buildings and neglected green areas. It is part of a broader DGAAP effort that has allocated nearly €2 million in the last two months: €950,000 for the third tranche of Italian Council to promote Italian art abroad, €600,000 for the 'Prendi Parte!' call for cultural projects in marginalized areas, and €200,000 for 'Cineperiferie' to valorize peripheral landscapes. The Creative Living Lab aims to involve local communities in self-organization projects, fostering empowerment and territorial reappropriation. Eligible applicants include public and private entities such as associations, foundations, and committees, who must collaborate with cultural mediators like architects, designers, filmmakers, photographers, psychologists, or sociologists. Projects may include workshops, seminars, exhibitions, and educational activities over six months. Applications must be submitted by July 16, 2018, at 12:00 PM via the dedicated platform.