Rural Revival: Introducing CoopCulture, a tool designed for countryside rejuvenation
In a significant move, CoopCulture, a cooperative society with over 900 members, has announced plans to invest in the cultural regeneration of territories, medium-small centers, and peripheral areas by 2025.
The renewed focus on these lesser-served areas comes after a successful 2023, during which CoopCulture recorded its highest-ever turnover of 92 million euros, an impressive +15.9% increase compared to 2022. This success can be attributed to the renewal of important contracts, two exceptional factors, and the implementation of innovative service management models.
One of the key projects that exemplify CoopCulture's approach is the transformation of the Casale dei Cedrati in Rome. This contemporary space now houses a bookstore, a café, an exhibition space, a reading room and meeting hall, and serves as a hub for cultural activities.
CoopCulture's strategy is to shift activities towards new models, focusing on medium-small realities beyond major tourist attractions. This approach is evident in their collaboration with other cooperative players in sectors like housing, education, and job placement.
Last year, CoopCulture also expanded its operations to urban areas less served by the Civic Libraries of Turin, with the deployment of Bibliobus - an equipped vehicle with books and Wi-Fi.
The goal is to bring together communities and local entities to co-design and implement cultural activities, such as small museums and libraries. This integrated system of cultural services will be realised through the Special Public-Private Partnership, as provided for in the Public Procurement Code.
CoopCulture's efforts are not limited to major cities. In 2023, they also gained experience in regeneration in Palermo, where they were entrusted with Palazzo Bonocore. The same year, they opened the transformed Casale dei Cedrati in Venice.
Looking forward, the 2024 turnover of CoopCulture is expected to exceed 80 million euros, continuing the cooperative's impressive growth trajectory. However, more detailed information on CoopCulture's specific economic and social regeneration plans targeting medium-small centers and peripheral areas by 2025 is not currently available.
[1] It is worth noting that a project has been launched for the recovery and enhancement of "Casale dei Cedrati," aiming at cultural and environmental regeneration, but it does not specify broader investment plans or strategies up to 2025.
- CoopCulture, with a 2023 turnover of 92 million euros, plans to invest in the cultural regeneration of lesser-served territories, medium-small centers, and peripheral areas by 2025, focusing on innovative service management models.
- The Casale dei Cedrati in Rome, a transformed space by CoopCulture, now serves as a hub for cultural activities like a bookstore, café, exhibition space, reading room, and meeting hall.
- CoopCulture's strategy involves shifting activities towards new models, collaborating with other cooperative players in sectors like housing, education, and job placement in urban and peripheral areas.
- In 2023, CoopCulture expanded its operations to urban areas less served by the Civic Libraries of Turin, deploying Bibliobus - an equipped vehicle with books and Wi-Fi.
- CoopCulture aims to bring together communities and local entities to co-design and implement cultural activities, such as small museums and libraries, through the Special Public-Private Partnership provided for in the Public Procurement Code.
- In 2023, CoopCulture also gained experience in regeneration in Palermo and Venice, demonstrating their commitment to cultural growth in both major cities and lesser-served areas.
- CoopCulture's efforts for economic and social regeneration in medium-small centers and peripheral areas beyond 2025 are yet to be fully detailed, despite initial projects such as the Casale dei Cedrati's cultural and environmental regeneration plan.
