From 31 January 2024 the “Youth culture card” and the “Merit card” come into force, replacing the 18 App Culture Bonus
Youth Culture Card and Merit Card: the news
Starting today January 31, 2024come into force two new digital tools from the Ministry of Culture to replace it of 18App: the “Charter of Youth Culture” and the “Charter of Merit”. These replace the 18 App Culture Bonus and aim to promote culture among young people, contributing to their development and empowerment.
Until June 30th, it is possible to request both cards. Each is personal, nominative and has a value of 500 euros, to be used by December 31st of the registration year. The two cards can be combined.
Youth Culture Charter: what it is
The “Youth Culture Card” is intended for all residents in Italy with a valid residence permit, belonging to families with an ISEE of less than 35,000 euros. It is assigned and used in the year following the age of eighteen
Merit card: what is it
The “Merit Card” is intended for all residents in Italy with a valid residence permit, who have obtained a high school diploma with a grade of 100 or 100 cum laude by the age of nineteenth. It is assigned and used in the year following graduation.
Both Charters as established by Ministerial Decree 29 December 2023 n. 225 (published in the «Official Journal» of 16 January 2024) can be used to purchase tickets for:
- cultural events,
- books,
- digital subscriptions to newspapers and periodicals,
- recorded music,
- audiovisual products,
- access to museums,
- exhibitions,
- music courses,
- theater courses,
- dance courses
- and foreign language courses.
Video games and subscriptions to audiovisual channels or platforms are not included. Cards they are not convertible into shopping vouchers.
Interested young people and businesses can register on www.cartegiovani.cultura.gov.it to participate in the initiative.
The Culture Bonus was a benefit introduced by the Renzi government and dedicated to all young Italians and foreigners who live and are residents in Italy e who turn 18 years old.
It was a measure that provided for the provision of 300 euros (or 500 euros, depending on the year) to all 18 year olds, to buy, using a special application called 18appschool textbooks, fiction books, tickets for exhibitions and fairs, museums, theater performances, etc.
In short, the amount is to be invested in culture.