Italy's Culture Ministry launches €1M Olivetti Prize for cultural accessibility
The Olivetti Prize for Cultural Accessibility has been introduced by Italy's Ministry of Culture, featuring a €1 million fund aimed at fostering projects that view culture as a shared asset and encourage social inclusion. Drawing inspiration from Adriano Olivetti (1901–1960) and the Faro Convention, the initiative seeks to improve access to cultural heritage and enhance community engagement. For the year 2026, the prize will consist of three categories—'Museums, Cultural Heritage and Territory,' 'Cultural Activities,' and 'Corporate Welfare and Cultural Regeneration'—each offering €300,000 for up to three selected projects. A fourth category will cater to experimental initiatives from Ministry institutes. Applications must be submitted by September 15, 2026, with winners announced by November. Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli highlighted the emphasis on participation and inclusion.
Key facts
- The Ministry of Culture launched the Olivetti Prize for Cultural Accessibility.
- Total endowment is €1 million.
- Inspired by Adriano Olivetti and the Faro Convention.
- Three competitive sections with €300,000 each for up to three projects per category.
- A fourth section for experimental projects by Ministry institutes.
- Open to public/private enterprises, cultural institutions, Third Sector, civil society, local communities, MiC structures.
- Application deadline: September 15, 2026.
- Results announced by November 2026.
Entities
Artists
Institutions
- Ministero della Cultura
- Consiglio d'Europa
- Piano Olivetti per la Cultura
Locations
- Italy
- Ivrea
- Aigle
- Switzerland