Bologna

Bologna is home to the oldest University of the Western world, funded in 1088. The city can boast a vibrant cultural life and an emerging creative economy. It offers a rich and varied cultural scene: in continuity with its glorious past, in Bologna music acquires an extraordinary relevance thanks to the presence of  leading institutions.

The city stands out for its widespread creative fabric dedicated to musical fruition and production, structured in a series of International Festivals of great relevance, promoting a continuous cultural consumption. The remarkable classical music seasons, the contemporary music program, jazz music played in various places, children-targeted initiatives, the presence of song-writers and rock-bands and so much more, they all contribute to make a unique music scene.

Bologna has identified cultural and creative industries as one of the strategic axes for its local development plan. As a City of Music, Bologna will continue to develop specific actions connected to the support for internationalization of music projects that wish to go international. Support to the music industry is further manifested in a constant activity of international relations, communication and promotion. Moreover, new projects in collaboration with Project Incredibol! Creative Innovation of Bologna with a specific theme will be launched open to creative cities in each sector, for the participation in important cultural events in the city.

Since 2021, the City of Bologna has also been working on the Night Plan, a project to implement innovative policies aimed at addressing the management of the city’s nightlife in all its aspects: cultural, social, economic, livability, and safety. A new way of seeing the city 24/7, starting with listening to those who experience the night. The night is no longer considered a void to be contained but a time to be designed, a time in which to live and share rights, opportunities, and responsibilities.

The night, rather than being endured, is lived: rather than allowing the night to be filled with chaos, degradation, and problems, Bologna chooses to support its citizens and operators in reclaiming nighttime and filling it with positive and inclusive cultural contents.

The project aims to make Bologna a city capable of welcoming and enhancing what happens after dark, listening to the needs of those who live, work, or simply pass through. It is based on the belief that a city that thrives at night, with adequate services, active facilities, and well-maintained public spaces, is a more inclusive, dynamic, and resilient city. Among the stakeholders involved, artists, live club and music venue managers, and other music industry professionals also play a key role.

Through surveys and polls, requests and proposals for improving services and public spaces were collected.

This has led to the first concrete actions: the strengthening of night bus lines, the expansion of bike-sharing hubs, the support of street hosts, and the introduction of a walking escort service for those wishing to return home safely. The project is constantly evolving, thanks to an open dialogue between the Administration, cultural operators, business groups, and citizens.