We began this European City Network meeting on Bologna’s beautiful Piazza Majore, where representatives from cities across Europe made their way into the Sala della Musica, marveling at the welcoming library and decorated wooden ceiling. Vice Mayor Emily Mation Clancy (Equal Opportunity, Gender Politics, LGBTQ Rights, & Anti-Discrimination) and Deputy Mayor Anna Lisa Boni (International Relations & Climate Neutrality) opened the meeting with a welcome address, before we met Diversity Manager Daro Sakho, one of five volunteers who have been appointed by the Mayor to support the City Government on issues such as integration, disability, and inclusivity.
The next morning we made our way to LGBTQI+ Centre Cassero, where the General Co-operation Pact between the Municipality of Bologna and 36 local LGBTQ associations was presented. The group enjoyed exploring the space, a former salt cellar, which has become a hub and safe space for members of the LGBTQI+ community. Guided by two enthusiastic and knowledgeable volunteers from the centre, we learnt about how the space is also open to the wider community though disco nights, which offer a low-threshold and inclusive way of supporting and participating in the centre’s activities.
A short bus ride took us to Centro Interculturale Zonarelli, Bologna’s Intercultural Centre, which is home to over 150 associations representing migrant communities. This space serves two main functions: providing a space for local Bolognese residents to meet immigrants, as well as being a place of intercultural integration and dialogue. The Centre hosts language courses (both Italian and mother tongue) as well as a multitude of cultural and religious festivals and events. Thus, the centre provides an important channel of communication between the municipality and various communities and cultural associations.
Moving a bit further away from the centre of town, we travelled to SALUS Space, an innovative social housing project. After a delicious home-cooked Syrian lunch, we learnt more about the project, which began in 2021. The idea was to provide affordable housing and job opportunities for a mixed community of residents – 15 different nationalities of all ages and backgrounds. Beautifying a previously neglected site and creating a restaurant, workshop spaces and community garden with a monthly farmers market, have transformed the attitudes of the residents from surrounding areas. Those who were previously sceptical about having a social housing project in their neighbourhood, now value and use this space.
On the final morning of the visit, we returned to the Salla della Musica to learn about Bologna’s efforts in terms of preventing gender-based violence. Anna Clora Borghesi and Beatrice Collina from the Rights & Equal Opportunities Office told us about Bologna’s Gender Atlas for a Feminist City, the new safe-spaces that have been created (Tutta mia la città), as well as a Map to Stop Violence. Following which we learnt about SENZA Violenza’s behavioural-change programme which engages with men who use violence against women and children, which was presented by Giuditta Creazzo and Francesco Corona.
Throughout our stay in Bologna we were struck by the way the Municipality, community and associations work together to make the city the progressive, inclusive and diverse place that it is. Many thanks to our wonderful hosts and all the people we met during these eventful days!