Gibellina has been named Italian Capital of Contemporary Art 2026 for its unique cultural project, which enhances artistic heritage with innovative practices, combining memory, sustainability and civic participation.
The October 31, 2024, the Minister of Culture, Alexander Giuli, he proclaimed Gibellina winner of the prestigious award “Capital of Contemporary Art 2026” during a ceremony at the Sala Spadolini of the Collegio Romano. The announcement was made in the presence of the General Director of Contemporary Creativity, Angel Piero Cappello, and the President of the Jury, Patrizia Sandretto King Rebaudengo. Among the 23 candidate cities, Gibellina prevailed over four other finalists: Carrara (MS), Gallarate (VA), Pescara (PE) and Todi (PG), all protagonists of an intense competition that had the aim of valorising the panorama of contemporary Italian art. Established for the first time the April 15, 2024, the award aims to promote and enhance contemporary art in Italy, encouraging cities to develop ambitious and innovative cultural projects. The funded initiatives include exhibitions, festivals, reviews and urban redevelopment interventions, aimed at creating spaces dedicated to the enjoyment of contemporary art and promoting a positive social impact. This recognition not only celebrates the cities' commitment to design, but also underlines the role of contemporary art as a tool for growth. cultural And social for the Italian territory.
Destroyed after an earthquake in 1968, Gibellina becomes a open-air museum thanks to the extraordinary vision of Ludovico Corrao, which transformed the country into a contemporary art laboratory unique in the world.
Corrao involved great artists and architects to rebuild Gibellina, with works of great artistic and cultural impact such as Il Big Crack by Alberto Burri, who preserves the memory of the old city, or The Gate of Belice by Pietro Consagra, symbol of openness and rebirth, and again The Civic Tower by Alessandro Mendini, which combines architecture and sounds, and The Mother Church by Ludovico Quaroni, with its imposing white concrete sphere.
For Corrao, art was a universal language, capable of restoring identity and dignity to a community struck by tragedy, and an engine for imagining a better future.
In addition to the artistic aspect, the rebirth of Gibellina was an example of collective mobilization. The reconstruction was made possible thanks to the iCitizens' commitment, That they collaborated actively with artists and private sponsors, demonstrating how a community can rise up through unity and involvement. This love for art is also reflected in the Museum of Mediterranean Trame, which tells the cultural dialogue between Mediterranean civilizations, and in the Orestiadi, an international festival that celebrates creativity and the meeting of cultures. To honor this vision, Tenute Orestiadi, has dedicated to Corrao the highest caliber wines, namely the two reserves: the Rosso di Ludovico, a fine blend of Nero d'Avola and Cabernet Sauvignon and the Bianco di Ludovico, Catarratto and Chardonnay. Each bottle represents the intertwining of art and territory, symbolizing the rebirth of Gibellina through beauty and culture. In Ludovico, the flavor of a land rich in history and the soul of a man who made art the heart of rebirth come together.
The project “Bring Me the Future”, which made Gibellina the Italian Capital of Contemporary Art 2026, will develop in a year of activities rich in exhibitions, festivals, cultural events and urban regeneration interventions. The aim is to transform beauty into a shared value and regenerating, capable of strengthening the sense of belonging of the community and relaunching the territory at an international level. Supported by a state contribution, the project includes the restoration and the redevelopment of public spaces dedicated to contemporary art, transforming Gibellina into a large open-air laboratory. Already known for the majestic Big Crack by Alberto Burri, symbol of memory and resilience. “Bring me the Future” will actively involve citizens and new generations, strengthening civic awareness through collaborations with public and private institutions, both national and international. This project aims to make Gibellina a model of innovation and sustainability, addressing crucial issues such as public space, landscape, community and cultural heritage.
Thanks to this initiative, Gibellina reaffirms its role as pioneer in urban regeneration, demonstrating that contemporary art is not only an aesthetic value, but also a driving force of social transformation And cultural. Operating in such a culturally rich and prolific place is a source of great joy for us. pride And inspiration.
ITA ITA 
EN
