Gibellina Named Italy's First Capital of Contemporary Art for 2026

Gibellina, a Sicilian town rebuilt after a devastating 1968 earthquake, has been unanimously elected as the first 'Capitale italiana dell'Arte contemporanea' (Italian Capital of Contemporary Art) for 2026. The initiative, promoted by Italy's Ministry of Culture (Ministero della Cultura) and modeled after the Italian Capital of Culture program, aims to enhance decentralized territorial realities through contemporary art. The jury, chaired by Patrizia Sandretto Re Rebaudengo, selected Gibellina from five finalists—Carrara, Gallarate, Pescara, and Todi—originally chosen from 23 applicants. The project was established on April 15, 2024. Minister of Culture Alessandro Giuli praised the recognition, emphasizing the role of cities as political and cultural hubs. Angelo Piero Cappello, Director General of Contemporary Creativity, introduced the session. The jury cited Gibellina's exceptional project quality, its ability to reactivate an extraordinary artistic heritage blending past, present, and future, youth engagement, collaborations with national and international public and private institutions, and its identity as both a 'city-work' and a livable city. Mayor Salvatore Sutera dedicated the award to Ludovico Corrao, whose visionary dream enabled the town's rebirth after destruction. The announcement was made by Ludovica Palmieri.