CULTURE THAT REGENERATES

Vittorio Salmoni, INU – URBIT
Marichela Sepe, INU

After exploring cultural venues as primary drivers of urban regeneration, the actors of change, and the relationship between cultural regeneration, urban continuity and the involvement of local communities, Culture That Regenerates, now in its sixth edition, will address new themes and case studies that broaden its scope of interest and frame of reference, identifying new partners for a shared research journey.

The local case studies that attracted considerable interest in previous editions—some of which went on to receive awards as exemplary experiences—will return with new projects in which the arts and cultural communities are at the heart of the process.

Urban regeneration draws on knowledge, expertise and memory.

Archives are becoming increasingly essential to expanding the knowledge needed to support processes of change.

A concrete example is provided by the Historical Archives of Contemporary Arts (ASAC) of the Venice Biennale, which has contributed to the regeneration of historic areas of the city, transforming disused industrial spaces into hubs of social and economic innovation.

ASAC, which will engage in dialogue with the INU Archive, has preserved since 1895 a documentary heritage encompassing art, architecture, cinema, dance, music and theatre. Its role in urban regeneration unfolds on several levels:

• Regeneration of the Arsenale: The creation of the new headquarters and the International Research Centre within the Arsenale complex returns a strategic historic area to the city, transforming it into a place of exchange and active cultural production.
• Conservation and Accessibility: The architectural restoration of the spaces ensures optimal microclimatic conditions for the documents, making the archive accessible to researchers and citizens.
• Connection with the Local Area: The integration with the Art and Architecture exhibitions and with the Library located at the Giardini places historical memory at the heart of urban life.

Finally, urban regeneration is increasingly being explored through the multiple interpretations that have emerged from its experimental evolution.

Gender-sensitive regeneration is an approach to urban planning and transformation that takes into account the different needs, experiences and ways in which women, men and people with diverse gender identities use urban spaces. The aim is to design cities that are more inclusive, safe, accessible and equitable.

Traditional urban regeneration focuses on the renewal of run-down areas, buildings and public spaces. A gender perspective adds an analysis of how urban space affects people’s everyday lives differently, including how they move around, how they use public transport and travel on foot, and how they perceive the risk of feeling unsafe in public spaces.

The program of the event is in development.