Podcast:
The fun in Funding #4: Rome
Mapping Rome’s Hidden Charms: A Journey with Sara Coccoli and the USE-IT Initiative
Welcome to The Fun in Funding, a podcast created within the Erasmus+ project FUND-IT.
In this concluding episode of The Fun in Funding, we explore the captivating process behind making a USE-IT map with Sara Coccoli from Rome. Hosted by Jozien and Arnaud, this conversation dives into the challenges and joys Sara has encountered in her mission to showcase Rome’s lesser-known neighborhoods to young travelers. Together, they discuss the project’s progress, the unique qualities of Rome’s communities, and the strategic, creative decisions shaping the map.
Listen to the full episode on Spotify, or if you prefer reading, find the content summarized below!
Jozien: Sara, can you tell us about where we are right now?
Sara: Sure! We’re in Garbatella, in a space that holds a lot of meaning for the neighborhood. This was actually a fascist building before being occupied by partisans, so it has a lot of history. It’s also now a community hub for people of all ages in the area.
In this episode, we’re speaking with Sara Coccoli in Rome, Italy, as we wrap up our series with the fourth and final pilot city. Sara, how did you first get involved in the FUND-IT project?
Sara: Funny enough, it all started back in July 2022. I saw a post on Instagram about a call for this project, and I thought, “Why not?” That led me to my first meeting in Viterbo, where I got to know everyone. Meeting Mafalda, and everyone was great!
Jozien: Did you already have an idea about making a USE-IT map before this project?
Sara: Not really. I knew about the maps through my brother, who told me about the one in Ghent. So I followed the USE-IT Instagram, and I thought it was a cool project. Social media came through this time!
Jozien: So you went to Viterbo. How was that experience for you?
Sara: It was amazing. I loved meeting people from other countries and learning more about the project. It felt like a great start, and everyone was so welcoming and supportive. I even got to improve my English a bit, which was a bonus!
Jozien: What about your second event in Tilburg? How did that shape your work on the project?
Sara: In Tilburg, I realized that finding sponsors was going to be a big part of making this map. It’s a challenge, but it also feels like an important skill to develop. This project doesn’t just hand you funds – you have to work for it.
Arnaud: Speaking of your creative approach, I remember when you helped everyone with a mini map of Rome. Can you tell us what inspired that?
Sara: Oh, yes! When I found out people would be coming through Rome on their way back, I quickly made a pocket map to show them my favorite spots. I wanted them to see my version of Rome, not just the tourist areas.
Jozien: So, what is it about Rome that you’re eager to show people?
Sara: I want people to experience a side of Rome that’s often overlooked. Outside the tourist center, there are neighborhoods full of social activities, markets, and friendly gatherings. In areas like Garbatella, people can meet locals and find a sense of community. That’s what I want to highlight – the real Rome.
Jozien: Can you share a specific place you plan to include on your map?
Sara: Definitely! There’s a Sunday market near Trastevere that’s not just for shopping; it’s also where friends meet, grab a coffee, and hang out. It’s a lively spot and captures that neighborhood vibe I want to show.
Arnaud: How has your USE-IT journey been progressing recently?
Sara: It’s going well. Just yesterday, we held an event at one of Rome’s main universities. We had a great turnout with new people interested in joining, and we even had support from the university itself. It’s exciting to see students and faculty getting involved.
Jozien: It sounds like your team has grown. How many people are working with you now?
Sara: Yes, we’re about ten people now, plus a group from the architecture school, so we’re growing! Rome is a big city, so we also need help from other local groups across different neighborhoods.
Jozien: Given how large Rome is, have you thought about how to organize the map differently from those in smaller cities?
Sara: We plan to use the city’s underground and train maps as a framework, combining them with themes for each neighborhood. It will be more of a thematic map, focusing on various areas across Rome to capture the city’s complexity.
Arnaud: That’s an interesting approach. How do you feel about your development in this project?
Sara: I’ve learned so much! In Viterbo, I was new to projects like this, but now I know how important it is to look for funding, build partnerships, and work as part of a team. It’s been a huge growth journey.
Arnaud: You mentioned funding. How is that going, especially with yesterday’s event?
Sara: We’re exploring partnerships with local government officials who attended the event. They even offered to help connect us with larger funding sources in Rome. It’s encouraging to see that support.
Eva (Audience): Could you share more about how you prepared for this presentation? What motivated you?
Sara: Sure! I had originally planned an event for September, but when I found out you’d all be here in November, we rescheduled. I think it’s important for people in my city to meet the team behind this project.
Eva (Audience): Do you think holding events in informal spaces, like universities, is better than formal city hall meetings?
Sara: Yes, especially in big cities. It’s easier to connect with people in a relaxed environment, and it also allows teachers and students to see the value of the project first-hand.
Adrian (Audience): I love the idea of using the transport map, but given the issues with Rome’s public transport, how will you address that in the map?
Sara: (laughs) Good point! It’s a bit ironic, but I see it as part of Rome’s charm. We can include a bit of humor about the challenges too – after all, it’s a reality everyone here knows well.
In Sara’s hands, the USE-IT map of Rome promises to show travelers a new side of the Eternal City, bringing them closer to the communities that make it so vibrant. Through her journey, she’s not only revealing the hidden Rome but also developing skills, building a team, and learning how to navigate the complexities of bringing a big vision to life.
Straight to the tools
You know what you need?
No time to waste…
Access directly our toolkit right here!