Ancona 2028: businesses and city join forces for the Capital of Culture

ANCONA – The designation of Ancona as the Italian Capital of Culture 2028 was the focus of a strategic meeting held on 11 May 2026 at Confindustria Ancona. More than 80 companies attended, together with city officials, to outline projects and partnerships ahead of 2028.

The meeting delivered a clear message: culture should be treated as a strategic asset for the Marche region's competitiveness, combining cultural heritage with local manufacturing know-how. Key strategic pillars presented include:

• Porta d'Oriente: enhancing Ancona's historical and geographic role as a gateway to the Adriatic;
• Macroregional hub: positioning the city as a nexus for relations between Italy and the Balkans;
• Culture of enterprise: promoting collaboration between manufacturing skills and cultural offerings, through co-design and technological innovation.

The president of Confindustria Ancona emphasized the aim of turning the title into a lever to attract talent and investment, while the mayor highlighted the need for shared operational management between public authorities and businesses to secure lasting urban and employment benefits.

In the coming months, co-design phases involving companies, cultural institutions and local communities are expected, with the objective of converting initial enthusiasm into concrete, sustainable initiatives.