Gianluca Mengozzi: "The aim is to change the way people see the world"

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Gianluca Mengozzi, International Director of the Associazione Ricreativa Culturale Italiana (ARCI). Source: Marta Catena
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Gianluca Mengozzi took part in a roundtable discussion at the 4th Summer School of the Catalan Association for Peace. Source: Catalan Association for Peace

The International Director of the Associazione Ricreativa Culturale Italiana (ARCI) shares the history, work and goals of Italy’s largest non-profit cultural organisation, as well as its vision of international cooperation.

With 1.25 million members and more than 4,500 recreational and cultural clubs and community centres, the Associazione Ricreativa Culturale Italiana (ARCI) is Italy’s largest cultural association network. Founded in 1957, the organisation traces its roots to workers’, peasants’ and anti-fascist struggles, with the aim of creating spaces where people from vulnerable communities can meet, learn, share and participate in community life.

Its main task is to bring culture, creativity and the arts to people of all ages. Two of its other pillars are the development of social inclusion projects and support for migrants and women in vulnerable situations. In addition, ARCI also works in the field of international cooperation, thanks to the NGO ARCS Culture Solidali.

We spoke to Gianluca Mengozzi, ARCI’s International Director, during his visit to Barcelona to take part in the 4th Summer School of the Catalan Association for Peace, to learn more about the organisation and reflect on the importance of fostering a more critical, active and solidarity-minded citizenship.