No matter who you are or where you are, turning 18 is always a big deal. It marks the end of one of life’s first big ordeals – the teenage years – and brings with it a sense of validation, of truly belonging in society.
To foster this feeling of community, the Italian government has announced a plan to gift €500 ($735 AUD) to each citizen who turns 18 this year as a ‘cultural bonus’. The money – accessible via a digital voucher – can be spent on cultural and art products like books, concerts, films, the theatre, and trips to locations including museums and national parks.
The scheme rolls out on September 15th, with around 575,000 Italians expected to benefit. Though it is expected to cost around €275 million, parliamentary undersecretary Tommaso Nannicini believes it an important way to ensure 18 year-olds are able to connect with their national culture.
“The initiative sends a clear message to youngsters, reminding them that they belong to a community which welcomes them once they come of age,” he told Italian website Corriere. “It also reminds them how important cultural consumption is, both for enriching yourself as a person and strengthening the fabric of our society.”
Undoubtedly, the plan will thrill residents and provide a powerful boost to the art industry, but the real motive is about bringing together people in defiance of the fear and unease that spread across western Europe following the Paris terrorist attacks.
“What happened in Paris signaled a step-up in the cultural battle that we are living,” declared Prime Minister Renzi in a speech announcing the plan in 2015. “They imagine terror, we answer with culture. They destroy statues, we love art. They destroy books, we are the country of libraries.”
A similar scheme is set to be implemented in 2017, with teachers to be given €500 for professional development.
What do you think about the plan? Thoughtful, or pointless? Let us know in the comments.