The challenge has begun. The wishes of President Mattarella at the inauguration ceremony of a city symbol of the redemption of the South is already in the figures disclosed by the Matera 2019 Foundation. A partial report because the real business linked to culture, exhibitions and tourism is yet to be achieved. The environmental connotation is strong and was perceptible in the days of the inauguration with Prime Minister Conte, the Minister of Cultural Heritage Bonisoli, the EU commissioners. Mattarella in Eurovision extended his gaze to the many Southern Europe. However, we carry the weight of wrong policies and investments that are not congenial to the cultural and tourist vocation of entire areas of the South.
Matera 2019 has already cost 48 million euros. The largest part of this money was absorbed by specific cultural initiatives. Regional funds have contributed 11 million euros, 30 national ones and just over 8 million euros have come from private individuals. Until 20 December 2019 there will be 27 projects in the field, carried out by cultural associations in Basilicata with an investment of 6 million euros by the Foundation. Employment impacts? Certain. The projects are directly and indirectly involving around 5 Matera and as many Lucanians and around a hundred international partners. 120 artists and exhibition curators benefit from it.
The organizational machine actually started in 2011 with a progressive involvement of the other regions of Italy. After being awarded the capital of culture, many European countries have ensured collaboration and forms of partnership. In fact, the city of Basilicata was known and appreciated all over the world. In the days of the inauguration the hotels were full of tourists and guides from all over the world. For 2019, a flow of 700 visitors is expected over 12 months. The premises have already been good in 2018 with 450 visitors: 320 Italian tourists, 130 foreign tourists. An annual growth rate of around 40 percent.
Will a new message of hope really arrive for the South? The road has been traced and despite the document on the regional employment crisis delivered by the CGIL to President Mattarella, the people of Matera are trying to overturn a paradigm of destiny. “Matera is a unique experience among the European capitals of culture. For the first time the operation has reached a popular and mass dimension: first in Matera and Basilicata, then in Italy and finally on an international level”, said the president of the Matera 2019 Foundation, Salvatore Adduce. There is a year ahead.
