Last October, the Ministry of Culture finally began regulating the recognition process for Cultural and Creative Enterprises (Decree 402 of October 28, 2024 – https://cultura.gov.it/comunicato/27167).

The Decree has been thoroughly discussed and analyzed, and in general, it can be said that we are on the right track: this regulation starts to provide a vision of the intent to develop this diverse and multifaceted sector.
As many experts have pointed out, beyond what the Decree does not address—such as the need to update ATECO codes and to recognize and develop public-private partnerships—it is a positive step that this regulation establishes a fund of 3 million euros for capital contributions to Cultural and Creative Enterprises (CCEs). While this amount is insufficient, it is a welcome first step toward the sector’s balanced development.

Of course, it would be desirable for the Ministry to also support the infrastructure of the areas where CCEs are located and operate. In the early 2000s, and especially from 2007—with the European Agenda for Culture (https://culture.ec.europa.eu/it/policies/strategic-framework-for-the-eus-cultural-policy)—various coworking hubs and creative collectives were supported by the European Commission, which recognized CCEs as strategic sectors. During that time, numerous cultural and creative centers emerged across Europe, leading to the redevelopment of industrial or abandoned areas by individual or collective entities with various objectives.

Considering just the CCE spaces in Milan, we can mention:

• WeMake, in the Dergano district, where co-designing solutions that reflect the interests of citizens is practiced in the field of digital technology—from the Internet of Things to robotics.
• THE FLAT by Macan, not far from Porta Garibaldi, where one can experience immersive museum events, conferences, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and photography shoots.
• Centro Culturale di Milano, between Duomo and Piazza San Babila, which revitalizes the essence of the underlying Roman baths by offering exhibitions, seminars, and meetings with artists and writers.
• Cascina Nascosta, in Parco Sempione, a multifunctional space organizing performances, literary clubs, gardening activities, and markets with agricultural and artisanal products.
• DIMORECENTRALE, near the Central Station, which dedicates its vast space to industrial design exhibitions and performances.
• IF Creative Hub, in the Vigentino area, where visitors can receive information on houseplants and interior design advice, in a distinctly pop and non-didactic style.
• Base Milano, in the Solari district, which, through the DESIRESIDE project, explores the reciprocal exchange between artist residencies, cultural institutions, and the local community, to whom it has dedicated a free space called the Yes Room.
• LABZEROSEI, in Parco Trotter, which serves as a cultural platform to convey the beauty of creative activities to children, supporting its offerings with research conducted in collaboration with Bicocca and Cattolica Universities.
• inEDI, in Chinatown, where coworking becomes an opportunity for meeting and sharing work, physical activity, and recreation.
• FANTASTUDIO, in the Stadera area, which defines itself as a “safe, open, and shared” space where people can participate in creative personal growth workshops (on photography, for example, but also fashion and female ingenuity).
• JoyHub, in the Forlanini district, where it is possible to host in-person and streaming events, light shows, team-building activities, and even cooking classes.

A special mention goes to La Fabbrica del Vapore, in Chinatown. Known for its artist residencies in 2023 and its spacious exhibition areas, the former Carminati Toselli & C. Factory (which operated in the metalworking sector between 1899 and 1935) hosts associations and social cooperatives working in the fields of new technologies, the arts, and educational inclusion. The establishment or recognition of this hub as a Cultural and Creative Enterprise dedicated to supporting and incubating businesses would be a significant acknowledgment of the Municipality of Milan’s commitment to enhancing its historic assets.

How to enhance a site of historical value?