Interview with the mayor of Agrigento, Francesco Miccichè.
“The strengths that our city will show off include the richness of its history and culture, the beauty of its natural landscapes, the hospitality of its inhabitants and the lively arts and culinary scene.” Thus the mayor of Agrigento, Francesco Miccichè, broadly defines the face that the city will show on the occasion of “Capital of culture 2025”. A nomination which is a great honor and burden for our city and which we wanted to explore further with the mayor as part of the journalism project of the first D of the Empedocle classical and musical high school.
44 projects organized for the year 2025 have been announced. Could you describe at least some of them in more detail?
“Among the 44 projects for 2025, some focus on urban redevelopment, others on the promotion of local arts, while still others aim to enhance sustainable tourism and community participation.”
The Schifani council had initially allocated 10 million euros for Agrigento, Italian capital of culture 2025. Then, the Ars reduced it to 5 million. But now, as announced by the governor Renato Schifani, a mini financial maneuver will arrive at the Sicilian Regional Assembly, following preliminary examination in the competent Commissions, before the European elections, with which the allocation should return to the initial figure.
How will this money be used specifically?
“They will be used to finance cultural and artistic projects, restorations of historical monuments, events and educational initiatives aimed at enhancing the city’s cultural heritage and actively involving the local community.”
Our city won the nomination based on a project linked to the four elements of Empedocles. So how will our city show its cultural face?
“The city will show its cultural face through theater performances, art exhibitions, musical concerts, literary festivals, gastronomic events and thematic guided tours that will reflect elements of Empedocles and other cultural influences.”
The project for 2025 is also based on the harmony between man and nature. Will our city try to raise public awareness on the issue of the environment?
“Yes, the city will try to raise public awareness about the environment through educational campaigns, recycling and waste reduction projects, reforestation initiatives and the promotion of renewable energy.”
Still in this regard, all of Italy has recently felt the weight of climate change; How will our city address this issue at a territorial level?
“To address climate change, the city will adopt urban sustainability policies, encourage sustainable mobility, promote eco-friendly agricultural practices and commit to the protection of local ecosystems.”
The project proposed by our city was based not only on the harmony between man and nature but also between men. The name of Lampedusa was also highlighted a lot for our candidacy; How will our territory, which is one of the most crossroads of immigration in Europe, address the issue? More precisely, what activities will be organized in this regard?
“Lampedusa will address the issue of immigration through integration projects, legal and social assistance to migrants, cultural initiatives aimed at promoting intercultural understanding and events that highlight the richness of diversity.”
Will young people and students be included in the plans for 2025? And if so, how?
“Yes, young people and students will be included in the projects for 2025 through educational programs, artistic workshops, literary competitions, cultural internships and volunteering opportunities, with the aim of actively involving them in the cultural life of the city.”
