In the four chapters into which it is divided - cultural, social, organizational and economic sustainability - the publication photographs two particular years, largely influenced by the pandemic that unexpectedly hit the world and the cultural production system. It also analyzes the results achieved and lays the foundations for the continuous confrontation with the community, to which this space opens and addresses itself from its headquarters in via Merulana 121.

Over 56 thousand visitors, 17 exhibitions, 147 cultural activities, 746 programming days, 47 employees (62% women) in the two-year period 2019-2020.

The multidisciplinary nature of the cultural schedule characterizes both years under analysis in a homogeneous way. In the mix of offers, the balance between cultural activities and exhibitions remained constant between the two years, remaining in line with the event-driven strategy. In particular, a prevalence of conference activities (talks, meetings with authors) and reading initiatives can be noted.

During the two-year period there was no lack of educational offer for children, which historically is part of the mission and competence of CoopCulture: differentiated by school age, educational activities involved the little ones with workshops and game visits and with general visits and themed itineraries for schools secondary.

In detail: 46,772 visitors of which 33,288 in the collection and on display, 13,118 for cultural activities and 366 Palazzo Merulana card owners.

It was a year full of satisfactions and successes, with the achievement and overcoming of the strategic objectives identified, carrying forward the vision of its founders: a different way of imagining museum spaces, large and welcoming as if they were his home.

During this year the Cerasi Collection at Palazzo Merulana had the opportunity to approach different expressive languages, different representations of various eras and multiple artists. Particularly significant was the commitment to actions aimed at enhancing the permanent collection and opening spaces to local operators in the planning of activities aimed at co-management and participatory management.

Among the exhibitions, we want to remember in particular one, produced by Palazzo Merulana and beloved by the Roman public: “Giacomo Balla. From abstract futurism to iconic futurism "(March-June 2019).

In detail: 9,473 visitors, of which 5,908 in the collection and on display, 3,337 for cultural activities and 228 Palazzo Merulana card owners.

It was a particularly difficult year since the closing of the venue on 9 March 2021. The death of Claudio Cerasi, which took place in April, left an immense void.

The health emergency caused a loss in turnover of 74.7% with a total of hours worked decreased by 74.5%, supported by the redundancy fund for employees. The decline in turnover is to be understood within the economic framework that the pandemic has caused for many production sectors, especially in the cultural and creative one, which is recorded, for 66.4%, at a loss compared to the previous year. (Source: Symbola Foundation - Unioncamere, Io sono Cultura Report 2020).

The overall loss of over € 260,000 was borne by CoopCulture, with a contribution equal to 17% of the production value.

The opening days of the Palace were reduced by 59.4% compared to the previous year. Although it can be visited for less than half of the opening days of the previous year, in July the Cerasi Collection saw a change of appearance, a rearrangement integrated by the addition of five unpublished works.

Given the reduction of event calendar due to the numerous closures imposed, it was decided to support live entertainment in particular, one of the sectors most affected by the health emergency containment rules, specifically with the summer festival of music and interculture " Notes from the World ". The component of inclusion and reception of more fragile or less accustomed audiences to cultural use was given greater attention.

Among the exhibitions, we want to remember one in particular: "Riscatti di Città", which from January 18 to February 17 offered an overview of the urban and architectural scenario of Rome with a multidisciplinary approach: photography, graphics, videos and architectural projects realized and visionary .

"We have countless challenges ahead of us, first of all the possibility of seizing the opportunities that the Recovery and Resilience Plan, the Next Generation EU and the 2030 Agenda offer us - says Letizia Casuccio - We want to continue to contribute to the discussion on how to do it. culture, on the creation of sustainable development models in step with the current times. And it gives me good hope - concludes the General Manager of CoopCulture - that this small museum, precisely because of its original intended use, as it was once the Rome Hygiene Office, can act as a point of research and investigation on the next routes to be undertaken, to cure ailments and redesign the rebirth ".

Read the secondo Rapporto di Sostenibilità di Palazzo Merulana