Tommaso Sacchi on keeping cities alive through cultural regeneration

Tommaso Sacchi argues that contemporary cities are living organisms requiring cultural regeneration, especially in peripheral areas. He emphasizes that mayors in the last decade have worked to dignify suburbs through services, tax incentives, and decentralized cultural centers. Sacchi cites Renzo Piano's definition of cities as 'stupende emozioni dell'uomo' (stupendous human emotions) to highlight the generative power of artistic projects. He notes a shift away from rigid cultural categories toward multimedia approaches. Using Milan and Florence as examples, Sacchi describes how events like Salone del Mobile/Fuorisalone, PianoCity, ArchWeek, Estate Fiorentina, Jazz Festival, and contemporary art exhibitions in historic settings have become identity pillars. The key innovation is allowing local associations, businesses, studios, artists, and theater companies to co-construct cultural programs, often autonomously choosing timing, modalities, and spaces. This process, Sacchi writes, transforms power into structures, energy into culture, and dead elements into living art symbols, quoting Lewis Mumford. The article was published in Artribune Magazine #43.