ASK Center Advising Bergamo and Brescia, Italian Capitals of Culture

CULTURE, AS A MEANS OF ACTIVATION AND REGENERATION OF THEIR TERRITORIES, IS AT THE CENTER OF A PROJECT THAT TAKES UP THE CHALLENGE OF GROWING TOGETHER

Bergamo and Brescia were nominated Italian Capitals of Culture for 2023 almost by acclamation, that is, without the organization of a call for bids, but through a vote in Parliament. The two cities had expressed their intention to apply, and the assignment was intended as an acknowledgement of the sacrifice made by both places during the first wave of COVOD-19 and as an encouragement to recovery.
 
Bocconi research center ASK (Art, Science, Knowledge) is advising Bergamo and Brescia in the definition of the dossier designing the initiative schedule. “We have defined the concept of the initiative,” says Professor Stefano Baia Curioni, ASK Vice President and responsible of the project, “and we are establishing a working method that aims to make culture a means of territorial activation and regeneration, both in terms of tourist attractiveness and of awareness of the intelligence residing in these territories.”
 
"As is often the case in Italy, Bergamo and Brescia are two city-civilizations, developed under the banner of work," continues Prof. Baia Curioni. “The challenge to be taken up today (and hence the proposed concept) is that of 'growing together,' not only as producers of culture, but also in order to consolidate internal cohesion and create new cohesion between the two cities.”

by Fabio Todesco