A strong partnership between the public and corporate spheres is crucial to tackle the cultural impoverishment in the Southern regions.
Hear This Out
First off, let's set the record straight - the reading gap and cultural deficit in the South isn't an issue exclusive to one region, but a nationwide concern. It's not merely a matter for publishers and booksellers, but an economic and societal issue, as rightly pointed out by Florindo Rubbettino, a second-gen Calabrian publisher and Southern delegate for the Italian Publishers Association (AIE). In an effort to remedy this divide, he's spearheading a campaign, starting in Naples and reaching all regions of Italy.
What's the plan for bringing in contributors beyond the South?
You betcha! This cultural divide is one of the unfortunate fissures that plague our nation, and we believe it's a national issue, much like the divide in other fields. props to AIE President Innocenzo Cipolletta for putting the South in the spotlight.
Bonus Content
We embarked on an innovative survey that blends various parameters. Here's a jaw-dropping finding: the reading index and the cultural infrastructure of a territory are directly related. That includes bookstores, events, libraries, and book fairs, among others. We're convinced that bolstering reading infrastructure is the key to solving any problems that come our way.
Thinking about potential goals and roles in such initiatives:
- Literacy Boost and Book Access: Let's aim for increased book and educational material access in the South, which would help bridge the cultural divide by creating more educational opportunities.
- Cultural Extravaganzas: Organizing cultural events and workshops can connect local communities, fostering a broader appreciation for Italian culture. These events can also serve as platforms for discussing social and economic issues that impact the regions.
- Powerful Partnerships: Team-ups between publishers from across Italy play a key role by collaborating with local institutions, contributing resources, expertise, and funds to support these projects. Their involvement can ensure the longevity and effectiveness of the campaign.
- Community Empowerment: Engaging operators from all around Italy can empower local communities in the South by training local educators, supporting community-driven initiatives, and fostering a sense of pride and ownership in cultural activities.
- To bridge the nationwide cultural divide, we should prioritize finance for educational-and-self-development initiatives, focusing on enhancing book access and literacy in the Southern regions.
- To foster a thriving lifestyle in the South, partnerships in education-and-self-development should include powerful collaborations among publishers from across Italy, supporting local communities and empowering them through cultural extravaganzas and community-driven initiatives.
