INDEPENDENT CULTURAL SCENE IN TICINO
A meeting, organized by the cultural association, Idra, in collaboration with a broad network of other cultural associations in the region, was held in Lugano on Monday, February 5th, 2024. The purpose was to discuss the independent cultural scene in Ticino.
With its La Straordinaria project in Lugano (a concept originating from French-speaking Switzerland and known as Tour Vagabond), Idra hosted local and national artists between the end of December 2022 and the beginning of March 2023 inside of a provisional wooden pavilion.
The result was extraordinary and was visited by an estimated 30,000 spectators. Inspired by this experience, and with the support of other cultural associations and protagonists in Ticino, the Idra association drew up the "Carta della Gerra", a declaration of intent aimed at creating the necessary conditions for the recognition, development and professionalization of independent culture. The declaration is still not sufficiently recognized and supported by the authorities in Ticino today.
A joint statement, signed on January 30th 2024, summarizes the concerns, worries and proposals of more than 700 Ticino protagonists (associations, groups, collectives and individuals) in 5 points.
The points are as follows:
1. New premises for independent culture
2. Redefinition of the allocation of premises
3. Financing of independent projects
4. Necessity of an updated legal framework
5. Recognition of the independent cultural scene
The meeting was attended by numerous artists and experts as well as the cultural authorities of Lugano, the canton, and other cities in Ticino.The authorities took official note of the document and the city of Lugano promised to work at giving space and recognition to independent culture as never before.