Haliéus is a partner in the “ZONE CREATIVE” (AID012955/01/1) project, funded by AICS and led by ARCS – Arci Culture Solidali APS.
The initiative aims to strengthen and promote cultural and creative economies in the cities of Havana and Matanzas, integrating them into local territorial development strategies and placing cultural heritage preservation and sustainability at the center.
Within the project, Haliéus will draw on the expertise and experience of Legacoop Emilia-Romagna, Coopculture, and AITR, developing training activities and opportunities for exchanging good practices among institutions and stakeholders in the cultural and creative industries. Special attention will be given to the themes of urban regeneration and circular economy.
In preparation for an upcoming mission of the Italian cooperative movement to Cuba, a delegation of three representatives from the Oficina del Conservador de Matanzas arrived in Italy in November to explore Italian experiences in urban regeneration, territorial development, and the green economy, with a particular focus on Public–Private Partnership approaches.
After meeting with Legacoop Nazionale and Coopculture in Rome, the delegation continued its visit on 13–14 November in Bologna and Reggio Emilia, where—accompanied by Legacoop Emilia-Romagna—it had the opportunity to learn about several significant local initiatives in urban regeneration:
- DumBO, a former railway yard transformed into a vibrant creative district;
- Le Serre dei Giardini Margherita, a regenerated space dedicated to young people, botanical projects, and cultural events, managed by the cooperative Kilowatt;
- An in-depth session with Legacoop Emilia-Romagna on the work of the Urban Regeneration Board, aimed at sharing ideas and exploring potential future collaborations;
- The ANDRIA Housing Cooperative in Correggio, committed to transforming disused areas into lively and inclusive places that generate new housing and social opportunities for children, families, and local communities. Among the sites visited were the Politeama Gallery and the Coriandoline neighborhood, designed with children’s needs at its core.
