The Center That Promotes Culture
They are one of our country's most important assets, but at times are underdeveloped due to policies that are not always far-sighted. All aspects of Italian and international art and culture are included in the research areas of the ASK Center (Art, Science and Knowledge). It was founded at Bocconi University in 2004 to further the knowledge of the artistic sectors and cultural industries through the study of cultural policies, management of institutions and the cultural economy.
"We generally deal with the whole spectrum of issues concerning cultural heritage," says Stefano Baia Curioni, Associate Professor in the Bocconi Department of Social and Political Sciences and Director of the ASK Center, "essentially referring to three departments at the University: the Department of Social and Political Sciences, especially regarding cultural policies, the Department of Management, for aspects of governance, and the Department of Legal Studies, for more specific issues such as intellectual property for instance. While also consulting external input when the need arises. One thing that distinguishes ASK is that its various sides are connected by an interest in issues rather than disciplines. ASK Center projects are focused on five areas in particular," continues the Director: "Art markets, contemporary art production and institutions; policies and management of cultural heritage, institutions and events; industry dynamics and creativity studies in publishing, cinema, music and new media; management of intellectual property rights for art, culture and the knowledge society; and history of art markets and institutions."
The ASK Center has collaborated on many important projects over the years, from designing the Museum of Ancient Ships in Pisa, to a project for the renovation of Palazzo Reale in Milan, to feasibility studies for a museum of contemporary art also in the Lombardy capital.
The project ASK is currently involved in is a particularly challenging one. It concerns defining the planning dossier for initiatives in Brescia and Bergamo through 2023, the year for which they have been named Capitals of Culture.
"We have defined the concept of the operation," says Baia Curioni, "and we are establishing a working methodology that aims to make culture a tool to activate and regenerate these territories, not only in terms of tourist attractiveness but also awareness of an understanding of the areas. The challenge to be met today is to grow together, not only as producers of culture, but in order to consolidate internal cohesion and allow the two cities to become more connected."