“Regenerating is Culture”: Cosenza reclaims the Cinema Italia‑Tieri and

“Regenerating is Culture”: Cosenza reclaims the Cinema Italia‑Tieri and its Amphitheatre

On Thursday 16 April Cosenza officially opens a new cultural hub in Piazza Amendola with the reopening of the Cinema Italia‑Tieri and the dedication of the amphitheatre to writer and playwright Vincenzo Ziccarelli. The intervention is part of an urban regeneration plan financed through Agenda Urbana, aimed at restoring prominence and activity to the historic centre.

The Cinema Italia will reopen under Multicinema Citrigno Group management with an initial seating capacity of 300 in the stalls (420 including the gallery) and upgraded technical systems, including digital projection and Dolby Surround 7.1 audio. The amphitheatre has been refurbished with finished concrete seating and integrated LED lighting.

Schedule for 16 April

• 09:30 – Performance by the Big Band of the “Lucrezia della Valle” Art High School in Piazza Amendola
• 10:00 – Institutional greetings
• 10:30 – Cultural walk from Piazza Amendola to Cinema Italia‑Tieri and the amphitheatre
• Morning – Plein air painting session with students from the Art High School and the “Emma Tavolaro” primary school
• 11:30 – Big Band finale and award ceremony for the painting competition
• 18:00 – Dedication of the amphitheatre to Vincenzo Ziccarelli
• 18:30 – Reopening of Cinema Italia‑Tieri and opening screening of the film “Benvenuti in Campagna” (first screening free; reservations at www.cosenzacinema.it)

The Mayor, Franz Caruso, described the reopenings as “two key moments” to restore dignity and future prospects to the area and to create a cultural hub that includes the cinema, the amphitheatre, the House of Music and the “Lucrezia della Valle” Art and Music High School. The project is intended to serve as a reference point for the South and to encourage citizen engagement in cultural life.