Wait, what?

The Italian Government is giving €500 to every 18-year-old in the country to spend on cultural pursuits. From the 15th September, school leavers can look forward to a "cultural bonus" aiming to reconnect them with Italy's vast cultural heritage. The initiative was announced by Prime Minister Matteo Renzi just days after the November terrorist attacks in Paris last year. During a rallying speech he spoke of how Italy would increase defense and security spending by a billion euro but that they will match that sum with spending on culture. He believes that the war against extremism and violence can be fought with extra police and increased intelligence but that without culture, we lose sight of what we are fighting for.

“We will not give in to terror… we have centuries of history that proclaim the fact that culture will beat ignorance, that beauty is more tenacious than barbarism.” he said.

18-year-old’s are being encouraged to sample culture in all forms, from the theater to concerts, museums and even books. The scheme comes in a total cost of  €290 million to the state, and they are hoping to see an increased interest in the arts from the generation set to inherit it next. To spend the money, they must register online and download an app called 18app.it. Tommaso Nannicini, a junior minister in charge of the scheme said

“It sends a clear message- a welcome for those who reach the age of 18 and a reminder of how crucial culture is, both for personal enrichment and for strengthening the social fabric of the country”

The scheme has been welcomed widely in the country with almost 40% youth unemployment and a weak economy. As it stands, Italy has the third highest youth unemployment rate in Europe and while €500 isn't going to solve this problem it is at least sending a powerful message about what kind of society it aspires to be.