Exploring the collaborative effort to transform neglected urban spaces and foster community engagement
Have you visited Genova recently? If so, you might have walked within the central Caruggi area and stopped to admire the original graffiti that now decorates several shutters.
This is the amazing result of Futura, a street art project developed in the broader framework of HUB-IN.
The initiative aims to highlight the unique features of a neglected area of the historic centre, enriching public spaces for community enjoyment and fostering interactions among residents through thematic artistic paths. The artists involved in Futura are:
- Enrico Sironi, known as HEMO
- Jesus Manuel Pinto Garcia, known as SUSO33
- Manuel Perna, known as ARIS
- Cesare Bignotti, known as USELESS IDEA
- Alessandro Battisti Leif, known as ETNIK
- Lucio Bolognesi, known as BASIKù
This project is a collaborative effort between Cooperativa il Ce.Sto, Forevergreen Associazione Impresa Sociale, and local stakeholders to create street art installations in the historic urban area, the Sestiere di Prè district. Vittorio Vernazzano, a street artist and writer, is the curator of Futura.
Community effort and a sense of belonging are key to a successful urban regeneration
The implementation of the artistic interventions has engaged civil society associations as part of the Piano Caruggi initiative, along with the Comitato Per Prè, some residents and the shopkeepers’ associations of the Prè area. Through the collaborative efforts of this diverse group of local stakeholders – including shopkeepers, associations, and residents – the project has successfully fostered dialogue and engagement.
This inclusive approach has enabled the project to expand its reach and objectives, effectively promoting its vision to various target audiences. Specifically, the community engagement has involved some residents who demonstrated a deep sense of belonging to the area. This has facilitated outreach to diverse local communities, including both Italian and foreign residents and retailers who can now enjoy the area.
Find out more about the regeneration of Genova’s historic urban area here!
