Officine Bellotti joins the “Pago chi non paga” anti-racket critical consumption network

The city of Palermo is full of spaces where culture, in its components of tangible and intangible heritage, proves to be a fundamental and essential element in giving meaning to civic life. Thus, even abandoned structures are transformed, or rather, regenerated into cultural symbols.

In the former headquarters of the historic De Magistris-Bellotti printing house in via Gagini, the premises that were once used for offices, printing, bookbinding, and storage — characterized by the compartmentalized architecture typical of late 19th-century buildings — have been converted into fluid and minimalist spaces, where art, culture, design, and innovation can intertwine and express themselves freely.

This new reality is called Officine Bellotti and represents the vision of three professionals in the field: cultural operator Rossella Giordano, musicologist Manuela Plaja, and composer and pianist Lucio Garau.

The idea stems from the need to create a stimulating and multifunctional environment to support artists, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts in their creative and professional activities. Spread over two floors, the structure of Officine Bellotti offers exhibition spaces ideal for art shows and installations, meeting rooms and coworking areas, as well as a performance hall equipped with a unique audio system, perfect for acousmatic music. For a coffee break or to relax, finally, in the inner courtyard there is the spacious and bright Caffetteria MiniM.

Cultural centers like Officine Bellotti represent a valuable opportunity for personal and collective development. There is a perception that the services offered belong to everyone, but in fact, they belong to no one. In other words, they serve a public function (and enjoyment) without the possibility of appropriation, in clear opposition to the typical mafia-style politics.

It was therefore inevitable that Officine Bellotti would join the critical consumption network of Addiopizzo: «Being part of Addiopizzo’s critical consumption network is a strength for all of us».