Elisa Paluan is a cultural manager and communication professional whose career bridges the worlds of social impact, cultural innovation, and community engagement. With a foundation in Political Science and international experience in Paris, she has cultivated a multidisciplinary approach that shapes her work at Fondazione Unipolis. Elisa is particularly recognized for projects like Bella storia. La tua, empowering underrepresented youth through culture, mentorship, and civic education. Passionate about the intersection of cultural management, communication, and technology, she advocates for inclusive practices that amplify diverse voices and foster social transformation. Elisa’s work exemplifies how culture can drive meaningful change in society.

The Social Digest: How has your academic background shaped your career, and what pivotal experiences led you to your role at Fondazione Unipolis?
My background in Political Sciences has been fundamental in shaping how I approach the world. It gave me a mindset – rooted in critical thinking, systems analysis, and a deep understanding of social dynamics – that still informs my work every day. A pivotal experience was my Erasmus exchange in Paris, where I encountered French critical thought and expanded my interdisciplinary lens. Over time, I realized that the boundaries between cultural and social spheres are increasingly porous. This led me to roles where I could bring together public communication, cultural programming, and social impact, culminating in my current position at Fondazione Unipolis.

The Social Digest: Can you share a project you’re particularly proud of and explain why it stands out for its cultural or social impact?
One project I’m particularly proud of is Bella storia. La tua, a long-term program supporting young people from underrepresented backgrounds in developing their talents and imagining a different future. What makes it special is its holistic approach: combining cultural experiences, civic education, mentoring, and personal growth. We don’t just “offer opportunities”; we invest in building autonomy, confidence, and community belonging. It’s a project where the social and the cultural truly come together and the outcomes speak for themselves.

The Social Digest: How do cultural management and communication intersect in your work, and what strategies do you use to reach diverse audiences?
I see cultural management and communication as deeply connected, especially when working on issues that involve communities, identities, and participation. Although today my work is more focused on the social sphere, I bring with me a cultural sensibility that shapes how I listen, frame, and communicate. My strategies always start from listening to communities, to partners, to context. From there, I tell their stories, trying to bring out the processes behind the projects, amplify different voices, and highlight diverse perspectives. Communication, for me, is not just about visibility, it’s a way to make complexity legible and to foster recognition and dialogue.

The Social Digest: What approaches do you take to convey the value of cultural and social projects to stakeholders like funders, partners, and the public?
I believe in translating complexity without losing depth. That means using data and stories together combining measurable outcomes with human experiences. I also try to adapt the message to the recipient without compromising the integrity of the work. Authenticity, clarity, and purpose are key: if stakeholders see that a project is not only well-executed but also deeply needed, they’ll be more inclined to support it.

The Social Digest: How do you see technological advancements reshaping cultural management?
Technology offers both opportunities and responsibilities. On the one hand, it enables wider access, new forms of expression, and innovative ways to engage audiences. On the other hand, it requires us to rethink ethics, representation, and inclusion in digital spaces. For me, technology is not just about efficiency: it’s about aligning tools with purpose. When used thoughtfully, it helps us tell richer stories, engage stakeholders more effectively, and remain responsive to social needs. The challenge is to keep human and cultural values at the center, even as we innovate. 

The Social Digest: What are the biggest challenges you face as a program manager and communication coordinator, and how do you overcome them?
The biggest challenge is balancing vision and pragmatism, keeping long-term impact in mind while navigating daily constraints. Another challenge is making sure that the voices of participants are not just represented but centered. I try to address these by building strong relationships, staying flexible, and always returning to the “why” behind the work.

The Social Digest: What role does culture play in contemporary society, and how can cultural organizations contribute to social good?
Culture has the power to create meaning, foster connection, and challenge dominant narratives. In today’s fragmented world, cultural spaces can serve as laboratories of democracy, empathy, and imagination. Cultural organizations can drive social good by being inclusive, participatory, and grounded in local realities, while also opening up new ways of seeing the world.

The Social Digest: How do you envision the future of cultural management, especially in integrating technology and social impact?
I envision a future where cultural management becomes more collaborative, data-informed, and socially accountable. Technology will continue to change how we produce and consume culture, but the human elements (care, context, community) will remain central. Personally, I hope to keep working at the intersection of cultural practice and social transformation, designing projects that respond to real needs with creativity and integrity.

The Social Digest:What advice would you give to aspiring professionals in cultural management or communication?
Stay curious, stay grounded, and stay critical. Learn to work across disciplines and sectors. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty: real impact happens when theory meets practice. And above all, listen ad observe people, places, to the world around you. That’s where the most meaningful work begins.

This interview was conducted by our Head of outreach, Ansh Vachhani, The Social Digest on 06/09/2025. If you have any interview recommendations or have a story that you want to share with our readers, get in touch with our editor Vedant Bhrambhatt, at editor@thesocialdigest.com