The cultural sector in Lombardy continues to be a significant economic force, generating approximately 29 billion euros and employing 366,000 people. During the “InnovaCultura” conference held at Palazzo Lombardia, the regional assessor for Culture, Francesca Caruso, emphasized Milan’s prominent role, boasting an added value of 18 billion euros and over 200,000 jobs, establishing it as a true cultural capital that attracts talent and investment from around the globe. The report “I Am Culture 2024” also highlights the presence of 284,000 businesses in the Italian cultural sector, of which a remarkable 33,000 are non-profit.
The assessor further underscored the importance of technological innovation in the cultural field, announcing an allocation of 6 million euros for the “InnovaCultura” initiative, which funds projects aimed at making the enjoyment of Lombardy’s cultural assets more interactive. The metropolitan area of Milan stands out for its significant economic impact, but provinces such as Brescia and Bergamo also contribute substantially, with 1.9 billion euros and 1.7 billion euros, respectively, demonstrating that culture is a fundamental pillar for the socio-economic development of the region.