The Municipality of Sassari has signed a collaboration agreement at Palazzo Ducale with three artisan businesses to bring workshops and hands-on activities back to the historic centre. The first event is scheduled for Thursday, 15 October: the initiative aims to pass on local skills, encourage exchanges between generations and contribute to neighbourhood life.
The agreement involves the cultural association Tramandando, the artisan business Costanzo Salis and the Ebanisteria Meccanica of Diego Moretti. The Municipality was represented by Mayor Giuseppe Mascia and Housing Policies Councillor Patrizia Mercuri, together with officials Maria Giovanna Campus and Alessandra Puggioni. The project is part of the administration’s work to bring social, cultural and economic organisations together around the revitalisation of the historic centre.
The agreement will be experimental until 31 December. The Municipality undertakes to assess the availability of suitable spaces, support the launch of the activities, including through a contribution, and involve other interested parties. The artisans will run the workshops with the participation of local residents, offering activities designed to be accessible to everyone. According to Councillor Mercuri, the aim is to expand the network and encourage workshops to return to the parts of the centre where they have historically been based.
The programme includes four hands-on courses, held at the premises of the participating organisations:
- Traditional and contemporary weaving, led by Tramandando at its workshop at 48 Via Brigata Sassari. Starting on 15 October, participants will work with yarns, warp and weaving techniques, culminating in the creation of a small tapestry or decorative panel.
- Building with natural materials, at Costanzo Salis’s workshop at 26 Via San Sisto: the course will involve the use of clay, textiles, wood and colour, as well as composition techniques and mechanical equipment.
- Weaving with plant fibres, offered by Tramandando: from local plant species, including sea hay and dwarf palm, to preparing and making a traditional Sardinian basket.
- Traditional woodworking, with Ebanisteria Meccanica at Via dell’Insinuazione: the programme includes an introduction to wood and safety, with guided practice in cutting, nailing and varnishing.
At the end of the modules, a public presentation is planned, featuring a group exhibition open to the community. The items created will be displayed, video and photographic contributions will be screened, and certificates will be awarded. The organisers say that working together can create opportunities for socialising and participation, strengthen neighbourhood ties and support the presence of workshops in the old town.