Matera Launches 2026 Mediterranean Capital of Culture and Dialogue Program
Matera officially inaugurated its year as Mediterranean Capital of Culture and Dialogue 2026 on March 20, sharing the title with Tétouan, Morocco. The opening ceremony at the Teatro Duni featured high-level officials including Italian Minister for Institutional Reforms Elisabetta Casellati, European Commission Vice President Raffaele Fitto, and European Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica. The initiative, promoted by the Union for the Mediterranean and the Anna Lindh Foundation, selects two cities annually to develop joint cultural programs. Matera's program, titled 'Terre Immerse,' explores four thematic directions and will run through November 2026, featuring exhibitions, residences, conferences, and participatory projects across the Euro-Mediterranean region.
Key facts
- Matera inaugurated its Mediterranean Capital of Culture and Dialogue 2026 program on March 20, 2026
- The title is shared with Tétouan, Morocco, creating cross-Mediterranean cooperation
- The initiative is organized by the Union for the Mediterranean and Anna Lindh Foundation
- Matera's program 'Terre Immerse' explores four thematic directions through cultural events
- The opening ceremony transformed the Teatro Duni construction site into a performance space with the Matera Symphony Orchestra
Entities
Artists
- Saverio Vizziello
- Pietro Laureano
Institutions
- Union for the Mediterranean
- Anna Lindh Foundation
- Fondazione Matera Basilicata 2019
- Teatro Duni
- Orchestra Sinfonica di Matera
Locations
- Matera, Italy
- Tétouan, Morocco
- Basilicata
- Mediterranean region