L'Aquila 10 Years After Earthquake: Interview with Stefania Pezzopane

Ten years after the April 6, 2009 earthquake, Stefania Pezzopane, former President of the Province and councillor for culture, reflects on L'Aquila's reconstruction. The periphery is largely rebuilt and inhabited, but the historic center and hamlets still need time, resources, and new regulations. Pezzopane highlights the essential role of culture: she pushed to restore cultural venues and create new ones, and passed a law allocating 4% of reconstruction funds to productive, economic, and cultural activities, saving cultural jobs and creativity. She notes that outsiders often underestimate the ongoing struggle and harbors prejudices. Pezzopane advocates for seismic prevention, having fought for the 'sisma bonus' and 'Casa Italia' project, which was later abolished. She hopes the current government will revive a comprehensive seismic prevention plan. The interview was partially published in Artribune n.47.