In the heart of Cosenza’s historic center, a new wave of urban regeneration is taking shape. COSMO - Cosenza MicroWorlds, a project spearheaded by La Rivoluzione delle Seppie and supported by the Municipality of Cosenza’s Urban Agenda program, aims to amplify the identity of the city’s neighborhoods and communities through cultural innovation and creative collaboration.
A Vision of Regeneration and Connection
COSMO is built on the idea that urban spaces are more than just physical landscapes; they are living ecosystems shaped by history, culture, and the people who inhabit them. With this in mind, the project seeks to create a sustainable model of collaboration between new cultural hubs, businesses, universities, and the local community. As project coordinator Rita Elvira Adamo explains, the initiative is focused on integration and sustainability, with the goal of producing long-term innovation that benefits both the city and its residents.
Through digital storytelling, artistic workshops, and participatory urban interventions, COSMO highlights the historical richness of Cosenza while fostering new narratives for its future. A digital map allows visitors to explore the historic center’s unique landmarks and personal stories, reinforcing the community’s deep connection to its surroundings.
Projects That Bring Identity to Life
One of COSMO’s standout initiatives is Kinoki LAB Cosenza, a cinema of reality workshop engaging young residents from the S. Teresa del Bambin Gesù Family Home. Under the guidance of filmmaker Giuseppe Bisceglia, participants explored their neighborhood through a documentary lens, resulting in the film “Cosenza Vecchia Slay”, which captures the essence of local stories and perspectives. Premiered in its rough-cut form in September, the film has already received strong community acclaim.
Another key intervention is The Sign of Rivocati, a project developed in collaboration with VNMS1926 silk-screen printing studio and Lanificio Leo, a historic Calabrian textile company. This initiative introduced an identity symbol for the Rivocati district, encapsulating the neighborhood’s architectural, cultural, and historical elements into a visual and material representation. The production of wool scarves and cotton banners, available through Lanificio Leo’s official website, not only strengthens local identity but also integrates traditional craftsmanship into contemporary urban culture.
Community and Collective Celebration
Beyond static installations, COSMO fosters social engagement through public events. One of the most notable gatherings was the first Street Supper in Rivocati, a large-scale communal dinner designed by the Post Disaster collective. This event transformed public space into a shared experience, with a 30-meter-long table acting as a metaphorical bridge connecting different generations and community members. The installation, “Prova (1) di una festa”, emphasized the ephemeral beauty of collective imagination and the performative nature of urban life.
Looking Forward: The Future of COSMO
As COSMO continues to evolve, it aims to expand its network of creative spaces across Cosenza’s historic center, functioning as cultural antennae that attract both local and temporary communities. By bridging local heritage with global discourse, the initiative seeks to not only preserve the past but also redefine the city’s cultural landscape for the future. Through ongoing workshops, artistic collaborations, and interactive experiences, COSMO is creating a model for how cities can reclaim their identity through collective action and creative regeneration.
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