Pistoia Named Italian Capital of Culture 2017 with Extensive Program

In 2017, Pistoia has been named the Italian Capital of Culture, focusing on collaborative cultural initiatives aimed at fostering social and economic growth. Mayor Samuele Bertinelli highlighted that the city allocates more than twice the national average towards cultural policies, viewing culture as a vital right and a catalyst for democratic engagement. The program features significant exhibitions at Palazzo Fabroni, including 'Prêt-à-porter' by Giovanni Frangi (curated by Giovanni Agosti, February 5–April 2) and 'Marino Marini. Passioni visive' (curated by Flavio Fergonzi and Barbara Cinelli, September 16, 2017–January 7, 2018), which examines Marini's sculptural innovations alongside 20th-century art. Additionally, exhibitions will showcase local figures such as architect Giovanni Michelucci ('Le Città di Michelucci', March 25–May 21 at Palazzo Comunale) and Jesuit missionary Ippolito Desideri, commemorating 300 years since his arrival in Lhasa. The program also features the Collezione Gori at Fattoria di Celle, an environmental art collection with works by renowned artists like Alberto Burri and Anselm Kiefer.