Cooperation between Italy and Cuba strengthens in the cultural sphere.
Several cooperation projects are currently underway between Italy and Cuba, many of which have or have had Matanzas as a central hub, primarily in the area of culture.
Several cooperation projects are currently underway between Italy and Cuba, many of which have or have had Matanzas as a focal point, particularly in the area of culture, stated Simona De Martino, Italy’s ambassador to Cuba, recently.
«Italy places great importance on culture, and there are numerous Italian cooperation projects here in Cuba dedicated to cultural development, given Cuba’s incredible artistic heritage. Many buildings have been restored with the help of Italian cooperation.»
Her Excellency praised the role of this province in the collaboration between Cuba and Italy and the remarkable cultural heritage of the region, highlighting the Mediterranean influence in this city of rivers and bridges.
“This city has a lot of Italian influence. There’s a latent Italian presence everywhere. I think the Sauto Theater is truly the highest expression of that Italian imprint here.
“We’re not only interested in the restoration of historic buildings, but also in promoting the community. There’s also an Italian cooperation project here in the city called the Creative Zone.”
He also commented on his interest in contributing to strengthening the historic relations between Italy and Cuba.
“I’m fortunate to be in a country with which Italy has a long-standing friendship. My intention, my project, is to further deepen this relationship between our two countries.
“The Cuban people have welcomed me with great affection, with incredible hospitality, and this, for me, is truly something that allows my mission to begin in the best possible way.”
One of these projects, Arqueocuba, ran for three years, during which time it fostered important archaeological research at indigenous settlements in Havana and Matanzas, explained Marco Boriglione, project coordinator.
“As the NGO Arci Culture Solidali, we have been here in Cuba for many years. We have a long history of projects, especially in the cultural sector, and also in heritage preservation in Matanzas.
“We previously had a very successful project that marked a significant moment for Italian cooperation here. Arqueocuba ran for more than three years with excellent results at various sites in the Matanzas region.
“From time to time, we also organize small exchanges, such as the visit a few months ago of the Sapienza University orchestra to Matanzas to exchange ideas with the youth orchestra of the Office of the City Historian.”
The representative of the NGO Arci Culture Solidali also referred to the Creative Zones project, which is currently focused primarily on Matanzas.
“A year ago, a new project called Creative Zone emerged to foster the development of entrepreneurship and revitalize a building here on Calle del Medio, which will become the hub for the creative economy in the city. The goal is to create a creative zone here on the first block of Calle del Medio.”
According to Boriglione, Creative Zones is a cultural and educational cooperation initiative promoted by the Development Cooperation Agency that fosters cultural entrepreneurship by enhancing historical heritage, especially in Havana and Matanzas.
The project aims to revitalize and enhance the areas where it operates with a comprehensive approach that combines the rehabilitation of historical spaces with the promotion of a dynamic cultural ecosystem in which young people, women, and cultural entrepreneurs are key players.
Written by Jessica Mesa.
