Asti introduces Cultural Passport for newborns

Asti has introduced the ‘Cultural Passport – Born with Culture’ (Passaporto Culturale – Nati con la Cultura) to support the well-being of newborns and their families during the first thousand days of life. This initiative is part of the ‘Cultura per Crescere’ (Culture to Grow) system action, supported by Fondazione Compagnia di San Paolo and the Cultural Welfare Center.

The program is a collaborative effort between the Biblioteca Astense Giorgio Faletti, the ASL of Asti (including hospitals and clinics), and the Fondazione Asti Musei. Linked to the ‘Abbonamento Musei’, the passport aims to integrate cultural resources with healthcare services.

Recognizing culture as a social determinant of health, as noted by the World Health Organization, the initiative seeks to use libraries, museums, and community spaces to support parenting, foster child development, and combat inequalities. The program focuses on the critical period from conception to the first two years of life, which is essential for long-term health and development.