The Cuneo Montagna Festival, held from Thursday to Sunday, is celebrating its third year with a focus on the next generation and their vision for the future of mountain life. This year's festival, taking place in Cuneo – the youngest province in Piedmont, boasting an average age of 46.7 years (as of December 31st, 2023) – welcomes one hundred young people from across Italy and beyond. Participants hail from Piedmont, Trentino, Lombardy, Tuscany, Veneto, Emilia-Romagna, Liguria, Austria, and Germany, all united by their passion for the mountains and their innovative ideas.
A Youth-Driven Festival: Workshops, Conferences, and Performances
The heart of the festival lies in the numerous workshops, conferences, and performances created and led by these young participants themselves. For two days, Friday and Saturday, forty-five unique sessions will explore the multifaceted challenges and opportunities of living and working in mountainous regions. These sessions cover a diverse range of topics, reflecting the breadth of interests and expertise within the group. This hands-on approach allows for direct engagement and knowledge-sharing, fostering a collaborative environment where attendees can learn from each other's experiences.
The young participants are not simply attendees but the driving force behind much of the festival's programming. The Noau Cultural Officina Association played a key role in curating the schedule, ensuring that the youth's voices are at the forefront of the conversations. All events are free to attend, however, pre-booking is essential due to limited capacity (visit Bit.ly/cmf-25-Pogram-Giovani to register). This emphasis on youth engagement underscores the festival's commitment to empowering the next generation of mountain stewards.
The festival also features various events designed for a wider audience, demonstrating that the impact of this youth-led initiative extends far beyond the young participants themselves. This broad appeal underscores the festival's ability to spark interest in mountain culture across generations. The inclusion of family-friendly events ensures that the festival is a celebration for all ages.
"Metromontana" – A Vision for the Future
The young participants are accommodated at the Certosa di Pesio, immersing them in a "metromontana" experience. This concept, championed by the Municipality of Cuneo for nearly three years, reflects a philosophy of integrating urban and mountain life, fostering sustainability and innovation in mountainous regions. It encourages a harmonious blend of urban amenities and the preservation of mountain culture and environment. This holistic approach aims to address the challenges of maintaining vibrant communities in mountain areas while embracing technological advancements and sustainable practices.
The "metromontana" vision highlights the need for integrated planning that considers both urban needs and mountain-specific requirements. This requires innovative solutions to address issues such as infrastructure development, transportation, economic diversification, and access to technology and services in challenging terrain. It encourages a shift towards sustainable practices to preserve the unique ecological and cultural heritage of the mountain environment.
"Mezzaluna Alpina": A Conference on Mountain Dynamics and Future Prospects
A key highlight of the festival is the "Mezzaluna Alpina: Dynamics and Metromontane prospects" conference, held on Saturday at 9:30 AM in the Hall of Honor of the Municipality of Cuneo. This conference will feature the presentation of the report, "Mezzaluna Alpina: Dynamics and Prospects of the Metromonti Territories of the Province of Cuneo," prepared by the Full Interdepartmental Center, Future Urban Legacy Lab, and the Polytechnic of Turin.
This report, developed through extensive research including a comprehensive listening campaign, represents a significant milestone in the "Metromontana" initiative. It builds upon the informal pact signed in May 2023 between the mayors of Cuneo, Saluzzo, and Mondovì, marking a commitment to collaborative regional development. The report not only analyzes the current state of the region but also provides a roadmap for future growth. The research conducted by the Polytechnic of Turin has involved detailed data collection and analysis, which will be invaluable to the development of strategies for sustainable and inclusive growth in the region. The listening campaign has captured the voices and perspectives of local communities, ensuring that local knowledge and priorities are considered in the development of plans for the future.
The conference will conclude with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 12 PM, symbolizing the launch of new initiatives and collaborations aimed at advancing the "Metromontana" vision. It's a crucial step towards building a better future for the mountain communities of Cuneo, and the integration of insights from local citizens and expertise from academic institutions ensures that the future is shaped by collaboration and informed decision-making.
"Voices. Alpine architecture dialogues": Sustainable Design in Mountain Environments
Further emphasizing sustainable development, the festival hosts the second edition of "Voices. Alpine architecture dialogues," held at the Michele Ferrero room of Confindustria Cuneo. Organized by the Art.ur Association in collaboration with architects Dario Castellino and Alice Luxury, this event brings together architects, surveyors, and engineers. The discussions will focus on ecologically conscious design practices, examining how architectural innovation can contribute to sustainable development and preservation of mountain environments.
This two-day event (Thursday and Friday) will provide a platform for experts to share their knowledge and experiences. The discussions will explore the challenges and opportunities of building and designing structures in mountainous regions, while adhering to principles of environmental sustainability and responsible resource management. The conference will also delve into the importance of integrating traditional building techniques with modern sustainable construction methods, highlighting how innovation can contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage and the environment.
The event will feature presentations, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, creating a dynamic environment for knowledge exchange and collaboration. It's a crucial platform to foster innovation and collaboration among key stakeholders, including professionals, policymakers, and community members, with the shared goal of creating more sustainable and resilient mountain communities.
Alpine Village and Hot Air Balloon Spectacle
The festival also features an "Alpine Village" in Via Roma from Saturday (2 PM to 6 PM) and Sunday (9 AM to 6 PM). This showcase highlights local organizations dedicated to preserving and enhancing mountain life. Organizations such as parks, ecomuseums, GAL (Groupe d'Action Locale), trade associations, and other stakeholders will engage the public, showcasing their work and contributions to the region. A stage in Largo Audiffredi will host presentations and discussions, offering opportunities for interaction and dialogue.
Adding a touch of excitement and visual spectacle, weather permitting, Sunday morning will see the return of the hot air balloon displays. John Aimo and Milan Mongolfiere will bring their impressive hot air balloons to Piazza Galimberti, offering a breathtaking spectacle for festival-goers. The vibrant colors of the balloons against the backdrop of the mountain landscape will be a memorable experience, showcasing the beauty and wonder of the mountain environment. A rock-climbing wall in the town hall courtyard will provide an interactive and adventurous experience for attendees.
This combination of practical information, interactive displays, and visually impressive displays showcases the festival's breadth and ambition, and highlights the collaborative nature of the festival.
A Collaborative Effort for a Thriving Mountain Community
The Cuneo Montagna Festival is a testament to collaborative efforts. As Councilor Sara Tomatis notes, the festival's success stems from the synergy between various organizations working towards a vibrant and sustainable mountain environment. It highlights the importance of bringing together diverse groups of stakeholders to tackle challenges related to sustainability, economic development, and cultural preservation. It serves as a valuable platform for sharing knowledge, resources, and experience, ultimately contributing to a thriving and sustainable mountain community.
The festival underscores the importance of collaboration and community involvement. The dedication of local stakeholders, including organizations dedicated to environmental preservation, local businesses, and cultural heritage sites, demonstrates that a shared commitment to the mountain is essential for the region's sustainable development. The willingness to collaborate and pool resources emphasizes the power of teamwork in addressing complex issues related to sustainable living in mountain regions.
The festival embodies the spirit of community engagement and participatory governance. The active participation of young people in shaping the program highlights the importance of including the voices and perspectives of diverse community members. This participatory approach makes the festival not only an event to be attended, but a celebration of shared aspirations and a testament to a collective commitment to the preservation of mountain culture and environment. The integration of interactive sessions, presentations, and displays demonstrates that fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange are crucial elements of successful community-led initiatives. The event serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving the cultural heritage and environmental sustainability of mountain regions, showcasing the power of shared vision and collaborative efforts to address the complex challenges of living and working in mountain communities.