A new way of understanding the cultureas a tool for individual and social well-being: this is the objective of Apulian manifesto for cultural welfareapproved by the Regional Council.
The manifesto, promoted by the Puglia Region, the Municipality of Monte Sant’Angelo (Apulian capital of culture 2024) and the regional Department of Culture, aims to enhance the role of culture in the lives of people and communities.
The Councilor for Culture, Viviana Matrangolaexplains that «with this manifesto we want to give concreteness to a new idea of culture. Not just as entertainment or passive enjoyment, but as tool to improve people’s lives. Culture can in fact contribute to individual psycho-physical well-being, strengthen the sense of community and combat various forms of social hardship.”
Culture for well-being
Studies show that participation in cultural and artistic activities has a positive impact on individual well-being: reduces stress, improves mood, increases creativity and socialization ability.
Furthermore, culture can Strengthen the social capital of communitiescreating networks of relationships and a sense of belonging.
A commitment for everyone
The Cultural Welfare Manifesto it is a commitment on the part of the Puglia Region, local authorities and cultural operators to invest in projects that favor access to culture for all.
The goal is to leave no one behindguaranteeing everyone the opportunity to enjoy enriching cultural experiences.
Culture as a public mission
«Cultural welfare does not want to replace social or health policies», underlines Matrangola. «But it wants to inspire these policies to consider culture as a public mission, fundamental for improving everyone’s living conditions. A culture that renounces its public role would lose its very function.”
A new development model
The Manifesto represents an important step forward towards a new development model for Pugliawhich aims to enhance the cultural resources of the area and make culture an engine of social and economic growth.
How will the Manifesto be created?
The Cultural Welfare Manifesto it is a policy document that defines the principles and objectives to be pursued.
Now the Puglia Region, local authorities and cultural operators will have to work together to develop concrete projects and implement the actions necessary to achieve the set objectives.
