Padova 2028: Cattelan leads bid for Italian Contemporary Art Capital

Padua has officially submitted its candidacy to become the Italian Capital of Contemporary Art for 2028, with a project titled 'Ancora imparo. Esercizi di dissidenza' (I Still Learn. Exercises in Dissidence). The artistic direction is led by Maurizio Cattelan, Marta Papini, and Myriam Ben Salah. The scientific committee includes Cecilia Alemani, Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça, Daniela Mapelli, and Renzo Piano. The title was established by ministerial decree in March 2024, with a prize of one million euros. Gibellina was the first winner for 2026, followed by Alba for 2027. The project aims to link contemporary art with scientific research, public space, and urban transformation. It draws on Padua's history of free thought, referencing figures like Michelangelo, Goya, Giotto, and Galileo. Over 20,000 square meters of new cultural infrastructure are planned by 2028, involving sites such as Palazzo della Ragione, Orto Botanico, and Castello Carrarese. The candidacy emphasizes a polycentric approach, including the Arcella neighborhood. It is supported by the municipality, the Veneto Region, the University of Padua, the Diocese, and several foundations. The submission was made on June 15, 2026, and a ministerial commission will select the winner.