ArtLab 2026 Eng

Developing the cultural sector, between local embeddedness and global challenges

In a context marked by profound transformations and growing complexity—shaping  both the everyday work of cultural practitioners and the broader dynamics of the systems in which they operate—ArtLab 2026 reaffirms its role as a platform for innovation in cultural practices, programmes and policies.

Its ambition is to connect these different dimensions within a coherent framework, while offering a clear and relevant point of reference for its audiences and for the wider cultural ecosystem. The guiding theme of this edition, Developing the cultural sector, between local embeddedness and global challenges, reflects a vision of culture as a practice that is able to be deeply rooted in local contexts and, at the same time,  fully engaged with the complex transitions of the contemporary world.

From this perspective, the focus on territorial embeddedness is intended to recognise and value  the distinctive characteristics  of places. This can be achieved by fostering connections among diverse stakeholders, by opening up spaces for dialogue, and by facilitating  opportunities for independent and critical discussion, in line with the role that ArtLab has built for itself  over time.

The 2026 programme will unfold through a series of events across the year; it will engage with diverse local areas and identify their specific needs, experiences and challenges. Within this trajectory, the working sessions held in Bari, Catania and Novara will serve as strategic opportunities for testing, refining and enriching  the programme’s thematic directions together with key local actors.

ArtLab opens on 5th  February with its first Bologna Satellite event: a full day dedicated to exploring how digital technologies—and artificial intelligence in particular—are reshaping the ways in which the cultural sector is imagined, produced and transformed.

On 26th  and 27th  February, ArtLab continues in Gorizia with a Satellite event focused on continuing the work undertaken with the 21 Italian municipalities awarded funding through the “Borghi Attractiveness – Line A” call, in dialogue with the institutional bodies involved in project delivery, as well as with local partners and with national organisations representing specific professions and sectors of the economy. 

On 28th and 29th  May, ArtLab takes place in Bari and renews its collaboration with the Puglia Region. Particular attention will be devoted to the role of cultural and creative enterprises within cultural welfare systems, alongside the opportunities generated by the European Union’s 2021–2027 strategic framework and funding programmes.

From 23rd to 25th  September, ArtLab returns to Novara, where discussions will focus on public-private partnerships, culture-led urban regeneration, and emerging philanthropic funding models and financial instruments.

On 5th  and 6th  November, there will be the launch in Catania of a three-year ArtLab cycle centred on the relationships between culture, social innovation and local development.

Finally, on 27th and 28th November, ArtLab convenes in Matera for an event dedicated to co-operation among cultural enterprises and institutions across the Mediterranean area, within the framework of the programme Matera Mediterranean Capital of Culture and Dialogue 2026.

ARTLAB’S FORMATS

The events  will be structured  by using a range of different formats:

• Workshops and seminars
• Working groups and thematic roundtables
• Plenary sessions
• Meetings of project-based networks and of national and international organisations

THEMATIC STRANDS

The themes of the 2026 edition emerge from dialogue among ArtLab partners and national, regional and local stakeholders from the public, private and philanthropic sectors.

They include: