MiBACT launches AI-driven urban regeneration call for Italian peripheries

The Italian Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities and Tourism (MiBACT), through its Directorate General for Contemporary Art and Architecture and Urban Peripheries (DGAAP) led by Federica Galloni, has launched the 'periferiA Intelligente' call for proposals. The initiative awards €50,000 to a single project that uses artificial intelligence technologies—including learning algorithms and artificial neural networks—to regenerate peripheral or dysfunctional urban areas. The funding is part of a broader €1 million investment in marginal zones, which previously allocated €600,000 to the 'Prendi Parte!' program for creative activities in economically and socially marginalized areas, €200,000 to 'Cineperiferie' for projects highlighting peripheral landscapes, and €205,000 to the 'Creative Living Lab' prize for micro-regeneration projects. Minister Alberto Bonisoli stated that the call consolidates MiBACT's commitment to cultural and innovative urban regeneration. Eligible applicants are public or private non-profit entities active in new technologies, possibly in partnership with contemporary creativity or urban regeneration organizations. Winning projects must involve artists, designers, architects, or tech creatives and analyze data and metadata from resident communities using AI to address critical issues. The project will be implemented in one of Italy's 14 metropolitan cities, serving as a replicable model. Deadline: September 14, 2018.