A two-day institutional event dedicated to the presentation of Matera 2026 Mediterranean Capital of Culture and Dialogue took place in Rome. The initiative reinforced the international value of the title and the role of the city as a strategic platform for cultural diplomacy in the Mediterranean basin and as a laboratory for cooperation between Europe and Africa.

The first day, on Monday 23 February, took place at the Ministry of Culture in the Spadolini Hall, where the thematic lines and the overall framework of the cultural programme were presented, together with the content of the Opening Ceremony scheduled for 20 March 2026.

The key point of the meeting was the vision of “Terre Immerse” (Immersed Lands), the cultural theme of the programme, which interprets Southern Italy as a strategic space for dialogue between Europe, Africa and the Middle East, highlighting inland areas as places of connection, cultural production and cooperation.

The second day, on Tuesday 24 February, was held at the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (Farnesina), in the presence of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani and the diplomatic and cultural network of the Mediterranean. On this occasion, Matera was presented as a bridge between communities and countries across the Mediterranean area, in a challenging global context that requires new tools for dialogue and collaboration.

During the meetings, it was reaffirmed that the title of Mediterranean Capital is an opportunity to strengthen cultural relations between the two shores of the Mediterranean, promote cooperation among institutions and activate lasting networks among cities, universities, foundations and cultural operators. The programme of Matera 2026 Mediterranean Capital of Culture and Dialogue – from 20 March to 28 November 2026 – consists of four major thematic areas: stratifications, isolations, contaminations and transhumances defined as “Immersions”. These will unfold throughout the year through festivals, exhibitions, high-level conferences and co-creation projects, transforming the city into a cultural bridge between the shores of the Mediterranean.

The two-day presentation marked an important step in the lead-up to the Opening Ceremony, consolidating institutional and diplomatic attention around a project that places the Mediterranean at the centre of Italy’s cultural and diplomatic strategy.

The delegation from Basilicata included the President of the Basilicata Region Vito Bardi, the Mayor of Matera Antonio Nicoletti and the General Director of the Fondazione Matera Basilicata 2019, Rita Orlando. On both days, the official video of Matera 2026 Mediterranean Capital of Culture and Dialogue was also presented.

In 2024, the 43 member countries of the Union for the Mediterranean and the Anna Lindh Foundation for Dialogue between Cultures officially designated Matera as Mediterranean Capital of Culture and Dialogue 2026, together with Tétouan in Morocco. The recognition confirms Italy’s central role and rewards wide-ranging cultural programmes that will enable direct dialogue among local communities across Mediterranean countries throughout the year.

Find out more: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation