The Volunteers of Matera 2019

“The Sassi stone districts of Matera did not come from above, like the Colosseum or the Imperial Forums, but from below. They are not the result of a strategy, there are no
architectural blueprints: they were shaped by the needs of those who lived in them. This city is like a Scarpetta comedy, it has within it both misery and nobility." (Nicola Rizzi)

Even in its most recent history, Matera's situation is greatly influenced by the initiatives of its inhabitants; in fact, the adventure to become the 2019 European Capital of Culture began with a small committee.

Based on this premise, it is easy to understand how the inhabitants would also want to
express their support for the city through the act of volunteering.

Right from the candidacy phase, the citizens have been involved on several levels and it is also thanks to this participation that the city has obtained the recognition that is a source of such great pride.

Love and the desire to take part may have been factors that motivated the volunteers to sign up, but it took so much more to face a 48-week schedule.

Thanks to a great deal of hard work and collaboration between the Foundation and
citizens, a mix of people with various backgrounds has been created, who during the
course of the year have had the opportunity to train both as individuals and as a group.

Many, in fact, have had the chance to learn about the various projects of the programme, improve their knowledge of the English language, practise first aid, interact with foreign volunteers and experience ways of life different to their own.

Thanks to the network created by the European Capitals of Culture, not only were
volunteers able to participate in events in other parts of the world, but they also linked up with around 50 temporary volunteers from various European Union countries, Serbia, Russia, Turkey and Japan.

A special mention goes to the Matera 2019 web team: digital volunteers who have been active in communicating events through the official channels as far back as the candidacy stages. A community that has passionately relayed the excitement and emotion of this fantastic adventure on social media.

December 15 was the day dedicated to the volunteers: a way to thank all those who dedicated themselves to the Matera 2019 project, because in helping to create this event they also re-created themselves.

Special guests of the day were the guys from the Rulli Frulli band, a project that combines music and solidarity: their stories and their energy brought life to the city through parades in the neighbourhoods and streets of the centre, which then merged into a wonderful concert finale.

A citizen is active when he or she is willing to get involved by going beyond what is required of everyone by common sense or by law. Always with a smile, the Matera 2019 volunteers have taken on the challenges of this year as an unmissable opportunity for personal growth.

During 2019 we have seen how believing in a project and carrying it forward together can transform not only the region, but also its inhabitants: volunteers are a driving force, a push towards the future, the human capital of a city that not only wants to speak to the world but makes the world sit up and take notice.