Milan launches registry for hybrid cultural spaces

The municipality of Milan has opened a registry called Rete spazi ibridi to map and register hybrid cultural spaces across the city. These are local venues that combine art, culture, social gathering, food, commerce, and associations, often in repurposed buildings such as former industrial sites, farmhouses, places of worship, schools, or offices. The initiative responds to a growing demand for multifunctional community hubs, especially after the pandemic, when Milan promoted neighborhood activities and the '15-minute city' model. A first mapping in spring 2021 identified 26 hybrid spaces serving over 1 million visitors annually, including Base Milano at the former Ansaldo area, Mare Culturale Urbano in a former farmhouse, Spirit de Milan in a former crystal factory, and Mercato Lorenteggio. The call is open to public and private operators managing one or more sociocultural spaces in Milan for at least one year, on a continuous basis. Applicants must indicate one or more 'prevalent functions' (social, cultural, aggregative, educational, etc.) to help identify each space's vocation and strengthen ties with the administration.