Italy to Name Annual 'Contemporary Art Capital' Starting 2026

Italy will launch a 'Capitale italiana dell'arte contemporanea' (Italian Capital of Contemporary Art) initiative starting in 2026, modeled after the successful 'Capitale italiana della Cultura' program. Announced by Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano, the project aims to promote contemporary art in smaller cities, fostering tourism and urban regeneration. Municipalities can apply individually or in groups by June 30, 2024, with a €1 million state fund. A jury of five experts will shortlist up to five projects by September 15, followed by public hearings on October 14. The minister will ratify the winner by October 30, with the first €500,000 tranche disbursed by December 31, 2024, and the remainder by mid-2025. The initiative emphasizes hybrid art forms, youth engagement, sustainability, and technology. Undersecretary Lucia Borgonzoni hopes many small towns will participate, leaving permanent artworks. Director General Angelo Piero Cappello called the plan 'visionary,' noting it anticipates trends in urban regeneration and hybridization.