Six Projects Vie for Italian Capital of Contemporary Art 2027
A total of six proposals have been put forward for the title of Italian Capital of Contemporary Art 2027, a project launched by former Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano aimed at enhancing decentralized regions through contemporary art. The inaugural winner, Gibellina, is set to commence its activities in 2026. Eight municipalities submitted their bids: Alba (CN), Chioggia (VE), Foligno and Spoleto (PG), Pietrasanta (LU), Termoli (CB), and Varese and Gallarate (VA). Notably, participation from southern Italy was limited to Molise, a decrease from 23 applications in 2024. The six competing projects are: "Le Fabbriche del vento" from Alba, "Porto delle arti contemporanee" from Chioggia, "In Contemporanea" from Foligno-Spoleto, "Essere arte" from Pietrasanta, "Traiettorie contemporanee" from Termoli, and "Oltre il giardino" from Gallarate-Varese. A jury will assess the submissions, with finalists announced by September 15, 2025, and the winner revealed by October 30, 2025, who will receive a €1 million grant.
Key facts
- Six projects are competing for Italian Capital of Contemporary Art 2027.
- The initiative was launched by former Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano.
- Gibellina is the first winner, starting its program in 2026.
- Eight municipalities submitted proposals: Alba, Chioggia, Foligno, Spoleto, Pietrasanta, Termoli, Varese, Gallarate.
- No candidates from southern Italy beyond Molise.
- Applications dropped from 23 in 2024 to 8 in 2025.
- Alba's project 'Le Fabbriche del vento' references Pinot Gallizio.
- Alba aims to create a Biennale delle Langhe in 2027.
- Chioggia's 'Porto delle arti contemporanee' involved a call for ideas.
- Foligno-Spoleto's 'In Contemporanea' builds on 1960s artistic experiments.
- Pietrasanta's 'Essere arte' includes regeneration, sculpture events, residencies, youth programs, and branding.
- Termoli's 'Traiettorie contemporanee' focuses on regional contemporary art heritage and youth.
- Gallarate-Varese's 'Oltre il giardino' emphasizes art, industry, and landscape.
- Jury of five experts will select finalists by September 15, 2025.
- Public hearings by October 15, 2025.
- Winner proclaimed by October 30, 2025.
- Winner receives €1 million from the Ministry of Culture.
Entities
Artists
- Pinot Gallizio
Institutions
- Ministero della Cultura
- Artribune
Locations
- Alba
- CN
- Chioggia
- VE
- Foligno
- Spoleto
- PG
- Pietrasanta
- LU
- Termoli
- CB
- Varese
- Gallarate
- VA
- Gibellina
- Agrigento
- Molise
- Langhe-Roero
- Monferrato
- Italia
- Sicilia
- Toscana
- Umbria