The Minister of Culture Alessandro Giuli has officially announced that Pordenone will be the Italian Capital of Culture for 2027. The Friulian city prevailed over nine other finalists: Aliano (Basilicata), Alberobello, Toasts, Gallipoli (Puglia), La Spezia, Savona (Liguria), Pompei, Saint Andrew of Conza (Campania) and Reggio Calabria.
Pordenone's victory is due to his project "“Pordenone 2027. A surprising city”", a dossier that won over the jury for its ability to combine tradition and innovation, promoting an inclusive and participatory culture. Thanks to this prestigious recognition, the city will receive one million euros in funding to implement the planned initiatives.
Pordenone's candidacy Italian Capital of Culture 2027 won over the jury with an innovative and inclusive cultural development model, combining tradition and modernity in a broad-based project. The Friulian city presented a solid strategic vision, aiming to strengthen the local identity through a blend of visual arts, cinema, historical heritage, and active community participation.
One of the most appreciated aspects of the dossier was its ability to engage citizens in a widespread manner, reinterpreting the connection between memory, territory, and creativity. Pordenone's proposal does not simply enhance the existing, but proposes a real process of cultural transformation, in which culture becomes a driver of sustainable development and socio-economic growth.
The program of events and initiatives will extend throughout the year, aiming to attract a broad and diverse audience, involving tourists, culture enthusiasts, and residents. The investment strategy, deemed coherent and well-structured, will ensure a positive impact on the local economy.
Another key element of the candidacy is the network of collaborations between cultural institutions, museums, universities, and local associations, which will create an integrated and participatory cultural system. Special attention has been paid to young people, not only as spectators, but also as protagonists in the creative process, with spaces and initiatives designed for their active involvement.
Minister of Culture Alessandro Giuli, in reading the jury's motivation, emphasized that the Pordenone dossier fully met the objectives of the call, presenting itself as a model of innovative and shared cultural planning. For this reason, the jury expressed a excellent judgment, unanimously assigning the title of Italian Capital of Culture 2027 to the Friulian city.
The Friulian city has long been a point of reference in the Italian cultural scene, thanks to international events such as:
- Pordenonelegge, one of the most important Italian literary festivals, which every year hosts world-famous authors and intellectuals;
- The Silent Film Days, a festival dedicated to the rediscovery and promotion of early cinema, appreciated internationally;
- Dedication Festival, a review that each year explores the work of a great contemporary author through meetings, shows, and exhibitions.
In addition to its events, Pordenone boasts a significant artistic and architectural heritage, with its medieval churches, historic buildings, characteristic porticoes, and a lively contemporary cultural scene.
Being the Italian Capital of Culture 2027 is more than just a symbolic title: for Pordenone, it represents an extraordinary opportunity for tourism and economic development. The one million euro grant will be invested in events, infrastructure, and cultural projects, with a positive impact on tourism, employment, and the quality of life for residents. According to estimates, the title of Capital of Culture brings an average increase of 20-30% in the number of visitors, with direct impacts on hospitality, catering, commerce and cultural events.
“This recognition shines a spotlight on our city and Friuli Venezia Giulia.”, declared the mayor Alessandro Ciriani. “Pordenone is a dynamic city, looking to the future without forgetting its roots. 2027 will be a year of transformation and growth, where culture will be the engine of change.
What to expect from Pordenone 2027?
The official program of events, which promises to be rich and varied, will be finalized in the coming months. Among the initial previews are:
✅ Exhibitions and displays dedicated to contemporary art and the city's historical heritage;
✅ Theatre festivals and reviews, featuring Italian and international artists;
✅ Urban redevelopment projects to make Pordenone even more attractive to residents and tourists;
✅ Inclusion and participation initiatives to actively involve schools, associations, and citizens in the city's cultural life.
Watch the video for Pordenone's candidacy for Italian Capital of Culture 2027. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=myiA0fKR_PE
