Italy offers 10 state-owned properties as artist studios for €150/month for 10 years

Italy's Decree Law of December 22, 2015, published in the Official Gazette on July 6, 2016, activates a mechanism to allocate unused state-owned properties—including former barracks—as affordable studios for young artists and creatives at a rent of €150 per month. A preliminary list of 10 properties is attached (Annex A), selected by the Agenzia del Demanio in collaboration with the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Cultural Heritage. The properties include the former Church of San Cristoforo in Mantua, the Torre di Calafuria in Livorno, parts of Villa Brandi in Siena, and three residential units in Piazza di Santa Cecilia in Trastevere, Rome. The lease is for 10 years, renewable annually upon approval of an activity report. Eligible applicants are young Italian and foreign artists under 35 (though groups may have a 'prevalent' presence of under-35s). Projects may include sponsorships and ancillary services (catering, cafés, cultural product sales) as long as these do not overshadow the primary studio function. Selection criteria emphasize interdisciplinarity, periodic public openings, economic sustainability, eco-friendly management, and integration with the local community. A formal call for proposals and a judging commission are to be established soon.