In a press briefing in Rome, Culture Minister Anna Giuli highlighted the role of independent bookstores as “spaces of culture and freedom” and unveiled a new funding scheme aimed at young entrepreneurs.
Funding details
Giuli said the government will allocate €4 million to support the opening of new bookstores run by people under the age of 35. The money will also target municipalities that currently lack such venues, according to the minister.
Impact and reactions
Industry observers noted that the initiative could revitalize local literary scenes and provide cultural hubs in underserved areas. Youth organisations welcomed the measure, calling it a concrete step toward expanding access to books and cultural activities.
Opposition parties questioned the allocation, asking for transparency on the selection criteria for beneficiaries. The Ministry of Culture indicated that applications will be evaluated on the basis of business plans, community impact and the applicant’s age.
Giuli emphasized that the program aligns with broader efforts to promote cultural participation among younger generations and to counter the decline of physical bookshops in the digital era.
Why it matters: The €4 million fund seeks to create new cultural spaces in towns across Italy, offering young people opportunities to run bookstores and fostering community engagement with literature.
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