MIBAC and SIAE launch four calls for under-35 creativity

The Italian Ministry of Cultural Heritage (MIBAC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education (Miur) and the Italian Society of Authors and Publishers (SIAE), has launched a new initiative called 'Per chi crea' (For Those Who Create). Starting February 20, 2019, four calls for proposals are open to individuals, companies, schools, and associations supporting authors, artists, performers, and interpreters under 35 residing in Italy. The initiative allocates over €12 million from the 2018 private copying levy (10% of the total collected, approximately €12 million) to foster youth creativity and cultural promotion. The funds are managed by SIAE and awarded through a public selection by an expert commission. The four calls are: Call 1 'Nuove opere' for new unpublished works; Call 2 'Residenze artistiche' for artist residencies; Call 3 'Formazione e promozione culturale nelle scuole' reserved for state schools (first and second cycle), receiving half of the total resources; and Call 4 'Live e promozione nazionale e internazionale' for live tours, festivals, and translation/distribution projects abroad. The deadline for applications is April 5, 2019. The initiative echoes the 'Sillumina' project introduced by the 2016 Stability Law, which mandated that 10% of private copying fees be directed to youth creativity and cultural promotion.