Pinacoteca e Museo Civico di Palazzo Minucci Solaini

We are proud to present the six institutions working on setting up the next generation Recharge Living Labs

Based in: Via dei Sarti 1, 56048, Volterra, Italy

At Recharge Next, we are thrilled to partner with the Pinacoteca of Volterra, one of Tuscany's most visited art galleries. Despite its popularity among tourists, the gallery struggles to engage local citizens who often view it solely as a museum. Our collaborative project aims to change this by actively involving Volterra’s residents in the life of the gallery through co-designed activities with local associations and artists, and by establishing an advisory board. This board will share resources and help plan activities that enhance, protect, and raise awareness about the gallery’s historical-artistic heritage and the broader Volterra area. Additionally, it will facilitate cultural actions on both national and international levels.

We believe the Community Crowdsourcing Model is the perfect fit for this initiative. It will transform the Art Gallery from a mere exhibition center into a vibrant cultural hub for Volterra. This model promotes knowledge and creativity, especially among young people, and aims to increase visitor numbers, including those from vulnerable social groups. It also enhances the sustainability of cultural projects by utilizing financial resources, ideas, services, and models that address specific issues and respond to diverse interests.

Over the past year, the Pinacoteca and Museo Civico of Volterra have been redefining their role from a tourist attraction to an inclusive, vital cultural entity serving local citizens. This transformation began with the 2023 participatory process "Se dico Museo, dico Volterra" (If I say Museum, I say Volterra). Our Recharge Next project provides an opportunity to continue this participatory process, promoting a collaborative environment where cultural institutions and the local community co-create innovative services and new programs for the cultural institution.

Our approach aims to unlock untapped local resources and expertise in the cultural heritage sector, creating a new cultural ecosystem that strengthens the bond between the Museum and the community. We envision the Museum as a house of creativity, where citizens can enhance their knowledge, culture, and well-being, becoming co-authors of a new cultural offering.