Lost in Transition: Salerno Becomes a Hub for Cultural and Ecological Innovation
The “Lost in Transition” project is a free capacity-building initiative developed by Blam, funded by the European Union’s #nextgenerationEU and the Italian Ministry of Culture. Now in full swing, the program focuses on driving cultural innovation through ecological transition, aiming to shape sustainable cultural proposals.
The participants, mostly from the Campania region and primarily women and young adults under 35, have had their projects selected and funded to be realized in Salerno. These projects aim to create a significant impact in the region, promote cultural innovation, and build national networks.
Assafà Festival: A New Cultural Event in Salerno
Kicking off on October 18, the Assafà Festival, a festival and residency focused on sustainable illustration, is one of the winning projects of “Lost in Transition.” This initiative, organized by Salerno-based company Sciglio, specializes in illustration and screen printing. The goal is to create a network of young artists and professionals committed to sustainability, particularly in the fields of illustration and typography. The historic center of Salerno will host this innovative event, focusing on eco-responsibility in creative industries.
The first phase of the Assafà Festival took place in September and included an artist residency with illustrator and painter Giulia Dall’Ara. During her time in Salerno, Dall’Ara immersed herself in the cultural rituals surrounding the Feast of San Matteo, the city’s patron saint, while interacting with the local community through neighborhood dinners, walks, and open studio sessions.
Supported by the Fondazione della Comunità Salernitana, the festival will feature workshops, talks, and exhibitions exploring visual arts, design, and craftsmanship. It will include experts from a wide range of creative fields, including graphic design, photography, and printing. Key participants include Giulia Dall’Ara, Elena Campa, Zic Zic, Antiotipia, Babel, Lanificio Leo, and more.
A City Transformed by Cultural Innovation
“Lost in Transition” has sparked more than just the Assafà Festival. Other accelerated projects are reshaping Salerno by transforming cultural spaces and focusing on both social and environmental impacts. For example, the “Tune the Town”event on October 13, organized by Progetto Fiori, brought together sound designers to recreate urban soundscapes and raise awareness about noise pollution. Another project, “Transurbanze”, led by Erbacce, will invite young people to explore urban nature through walks, teaching them how to identify local plants.
By supporting these initiatives, Blam continues to foster meaningful cultural and ecological change in Salerno. The program gives local organizations and informal groups the tools to innovate, promoting participation, integration, and environmental responsibility in the arts.
Ultimately, “Lost in Transition” is building a blueprint for sustainable cultural innovation.