Our History
THE ROOTS
The Cooperativa Cattolico-Democratica di Cultura (CCDC) was established in Brescia, Lombardy, by notarial deed on 27 April 1976. It was founded by a group of men and women inspired by Matteo Perrini – a philosophy teacher, headmaster of several secondary schools, and a leading voice in Italy’s Catholic-democratic cultural tradition, both in Brescia and Lombardy. Of the eleven members of the Board of Directors appointed in 1980, seven were under the age of 25, most of them university students who had known Professor Perrini as a teacher and a model of integrity. In its Articles of Association, CCDC adopted the legal form of a limited-liability cooperative company and soon attracted a large membership.
If we were to summarise the spirit and the deep inspiration behind our cultural work, we would recall three texts that have guided us and all those who have joined us on this journey. The first is from Plato’s Apology of Socrates (38a): “A life without the examination of the pros and cons is not worth living for man”. The second is from the First Letter of Peter (3:14-16): “Do not be afraid or troubled. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that is in you. However, let this be done with gentleness, respect and a clear conscience.” The third belongs to St Ambrose and is cited forty-four times in the works of Thomas Aquinas: “Any truth, by whomever it is made known to us, comes from the Holy Spirit.“
FIRST STEPS & OPERATING MODEL
The Cooperative began its work in 1976, at a time when Italy’s political, cultural and religious climate was dramatic in many respects. These were the years of terrorist violence, the growing sclerosis of the political system and, within the Catholic world, the tensions of the post-Conciliar period. In this climate of disorientation and surrender to ideological myths, CCDC declared its intention to act in a fully independent spirit. In accordance with its Articles of Association, it identified the principles guiding its work and its constructive dialogue with others: cooperation, Christian inspiration, democracy as the indispensable form of civic life, and the duty to counter the obscuring of consciences by fostering a culture of free debate rooted in humanism. Its Christian inspiration is affirmed alongside a clear rejection of every form of fundamentalism, combining spiritual depth, ecumenical openness and the cultural tradition of Europe. At the same time, its moral and political commitment to democracy and to the construction of an open society has kept CCDC free from dogmatism and political fanaticism, because democracy depends on people capable of critical thought and integrity.
The Cooperative soon became a meeting place for people eager to reflect on the fundamental dimensions of personal existence and social life. It offered the people of the Province of Brescia opportunities to meet leading figures from culture, science and the arts – outstanding witnesses of their time. In this spirit, CCDC has always remained independent of political affiliations as well as secular and ecclesial movements. This independence makes it an original presence in Italy’s cultural landscape. From the outset, CCDC has been able to develop its work in full autonomy, thanks exclusively to the generosity of its members and directors, who have ensured the continuity of its work and the quality of its initiatives over time.
CCDC TODAY
In 2026, CCDC celebrates 50 years of activity. Since its foundation in 1976, society and institutions have changed profoundly; nevertheless, CCDC has remained faithful to its founding principles, maintaining a consistent and wide-ranging presence in the cultural life of Brescia and its province. Citizens continue to recognise this distinctive approach and take part in its initiatives in large numbers. With 50 years of activity, more than 1,200 cultural meetings, 1,000 speakers – including several Nobel Prize winners – and countless distinguished guests, CCDC is now one of Brescia’s longest-established and most respected cultural organisations. Thanks to the quality of its work, it is also well known nationally.
We continue to host leading speakers and distinguished guests to discuss crucial issues, including peace and human rights; geopolitics; dialogue between science and faith; philosophy and literature (many authors and writers are regularly invited); the social, economic and environmental challenges of our time; challenges and hopes of the European integration.
CCDC’s activities are documented on this website, which includes the history of all the initiatives it has promoted, 500 conference texts, hundreds of audio and video recordings, an extensive press review and 42 accessible volumes published by CCDC.
HOW TO JOIN
Why
Membership of CCDC entitles members to receive information about its activities and events, to vote every three years in elections for the governing bodies, and to take part in the annual members’ assembly. Members’ rights and duties are set out in greater detail in the Articles of Association.
Where and How
To join, simply pay an initial membership fee of EUR 50.00 for ordinary members. The Board can set an annual membership fee, currently determined at EUR 15 (EUR 10.00 for students). Those who wish to support the Cooperative’s activities, which rely on voluntary donations, may of course contribute a higher amount or make a separate donation.
Membership fees may be paid by bank transfer to the Banca Intesa Sanpaolo account held in the name of Cooperativa Cattolico-Democratica di Cultura.
IBAN Code: IT39E03069112551000 00001285
The application form must also be completed (see below) and sent in its original form to the Cooperative’s registered office (Via XX Settembre 72, 25121 Brescia, Italy). Membership is subject to approval by CCDC’s Board of Directors.