The race for the title of Italian Capital of Culture 2028 enters the decisive phase. Twenty-three Italian cities, distributed throughout the country, have submitted their candidacy dossiers and now await the evaluation of the new jury called to select the finalists. The 2028 edition promises to be one of the most participatory in recent years, both in terms of the number of competing projects and the variety of cultural proposals that aim to enhance history, identity and innovation.
Leading the work of the jury is Davide Maria Desario, assisted by a group of independent experts: Stefano Baia Curioni, Vincenzina Diquattro, Luca Galassi, Luisa Piacentini, Davide Rossi and Vincenzo Trione. The committee is reviewing the applications that arrived at the Department of Cultural Activities (DiAC), analyzing the soundness of the projects, their sustainability, their expected impact on communities, and their ability to activate widespread participation. From this first phase of evaluation will come the list of the ten finalist cities that will then be convened for the public hearing, a key moment in which the administrations will be able to illustrate directly to the jury their cultural vision, investment plans and strategies for involving the territory.
The title of Italian Capital of Culture, established to stimulate cities to use culture as a lever of cohesion, development and economic revitalization, represents a significant opportunity. Indeed, the finalist cities have the opportunity to present an articulated program that includes exhibitions, festivals, infrastructure works, educational activities and urban regeneration, with the aim of building a shared narrative of their identity and future. The recognition, over the years, has helped consolidate new territorial strategies, enhancing both realities of national importance and lesser-known centers but rich in tangible and intangible heritage.
The 23 cities vying for the 2028 title present very different programs, each built around a theme. Here are what they are:
Anagni (FR) - “Hernica Saxa. Where history binds, culture unites.”
Ancona - “Ancona. This now.”
Bacoli (NA) - “The future starts with a shock.”
Benevento - “Crossing the invisible.”
Catania - “Catania continues.”
Colle di Val d’Elsa (SI) - “Colle28. For everyone, everywhere.”
Fiesole (FI) - “Dialogues between earth and sky.”
Forlì - “The paths of beauty.”
Galatina (LE) - “The dream of places.”
Gioia Tauro (RC) - “Culture is Joy.”
Gravina in Puglia (BA) - “Roots to the future.”
Massa - “The Moon, the Stone. Where Tyrrhenian and Apuane meet history.”
Mirabella Eclano (AV) - “The Appian Way of the Peoples.”
Moncalieri (TO) - “The suburbs make the center.”
Pieve di Soligo (TV) - “I Am.”
Pomezia (RM) - “From the myth of Aeneas to the foundation cities”;
Rozzano (MI) - “Culture beyond commonplaces”;
Sala Consilina (SA) - “A bridge between history and the future.”
Sarzana (SP) - “Fearlessness. Crossroads of the future.”
Tarquinia (VT) - “Culture is flight”;
Union of Municipalities of the City of Caudina - “Future Earth. Europe lives here.”
Valeggio sul Mincio (VR) - “Let’s cultivate people.”
Vieste (FG) - “The white soul of Puglia.”
After the shortlist is published, the finalist cities will be called to hold a public hearing during which they will detail their vision and the value of their proposed initiatives. The final outcome, expected in the coming months, will determine which city will have the opportunity to develop and implement the 2028 cultural program.
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| Italian Capital of Culture 2028: here are the 23 cities vying for the title |
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