Palermo Named Italian Capital of Culture 2018
In 2018, Palermo has been designated as the Italian Capital of Culture. Mayor Leoluca Orlando highlighted the city’s rich cultural assets, viewing this accolade as a pivotal moment following a period of decline. Regional President Nello Musumeci remarked, "Here we play the credibility of our land," in an effort to address Sicilian apathy. The city will receive €1 million from the national competition, with a chance for an additional matching prize. A logo created by 21-year-old Sabrina Ciprì underscores Palermo's Mediterranean importance. The cultural agenda features 780 events, which are anticipated to increase, including retrospectives, restorations, and conferences. Minister Dario Franceschini cited Matera's resurgence as a model, while Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni encouraged Palermo to challenge stereotypes and reaffirm Italy’s dedication to southern economic initiatives.
Key facts
- Palermo is Italian Capital of Culture 2018.
- The city receives €1 million from the national competition.
- An additional €1 million prize is available for municipalities winning cultural titles.
- The logo was designed by Sabrina Ciprì, a 21-year-old student at Accademia delle Belle Arti.
- The cultural calendar includes 780 initiatives, expected to double.
- Retrospectives of Shozo Shimamoto and Martin Kippenberger at Fondazione Sant'Elia.
- Aga Khan Trust for Culture contributes to reconstructing Aleppo's suq, mosque, and minaret.
- Manifesta 12 will take place in Palermo.
- Palazzo Abatellis will host a show of Antonello da Messina.
- The synagogue will reopen after 500 years.
- A library of Islamic studies named after Giorgio La Pira will be established.
- Dutch royals invest in Ballarò.
- A conference on Arab philosophy will be held with the University of Lugano.
- Minister Dario Franceschini and Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni spoke at the ceremony.
Entities
Artists
- Shozo Shimamoto
- Martin Kippenberger
- Spencer Tunick
- Antonello da Messina
- Sabrina Ciprì
Institutions
- Fondazione Sant'Elia
- Aga Khan Trust for Culture
- Palazzo Butera
- Manifesta 12
- Palazzo Abatellis
- Accademia delle Belle Arti
- University of Lugano
- Palazzo Chigi
- Artribune
Locations
- Palermo
- Italy
- Sicily
- Mediterranean
- Aleppo
- Syria
- Matera
- Ballarò
- Lugano
- Switzerland