The Italian Ministry of Culture has launched “Cultura Cresce”, a new €152 million call aimed at strengthening cultural and creative enterprises across the southern regions of Basilicata, Calabria, Campania, Molise, Puglia, Sardinia, and Sicily. Presented by Minister Alessandro Giuli and Undersecretary Lucia Borgonzoni, the initiative is part of the National Culture Programme 2021–2027 and is designed to boost a sector that often struggles to emerge in more vulnerable territories.
Minister Giuli described the programme as a tool to unlock the South’s untapped cultural potential, linking it to the broader strategy of the Olivetti Plan, which places culture at the centre of development in marginalized areas. Borgonzoni highlighted that “Cultura Cresce” builds on years of work supporting the sector, including PNRR funds for digital and green transition and measures introduced through the Made in Italy Law.
Director General Angelo Piero Cappello emphasized the goal of reinforcing the cultural and creative ecosystem of the Mezzogiorno, while Nicola Macrì, Managing Authority of the National Culture Programme, noted that Italy is the only EU country to dedicate an entire ERDF programme to culture.
The call includes three funding lines:
– consolidation of enterprises active for at least five years;
– support for startups and new cultural initiatives;
– funding for social enterprises, third-sector organisations, associations, and foundations with economic activity.
Invitalia will manage the entire process, from application to evaluation and monitoring. Funding requests may be submitted from December 10, 2025 at 12:00, exclusively through the Agency’s online platform.
Photo Credits: PxHere
