DiSegnare the Territory: Domodossola hosts the 6th Illustration Festival

Overview

From 28 March to 3 May 2026, Domodossola hosts the sixth edition of the Di-Se Illustration Festival. The event is part of a cross-border project that links art and sustainability under the theme "Living the Alps".

Venue and opening

The festival takes place mainly in the halls of the Collegio Mellerio Rosmini in the town centre. The official opening is scheduled for Friday 27 March at 5:30 PM. Admission to the exhibitions is free.

Main exhibitions

• Gloria Pizzilli – "Orlando Furioso and Other Illusions": a series of works that reframe Ariosto's characters in a contemporary visual language, including calendar plates and sketchbook pieces.
• Brad Holland – "Brad Holland from Shakespeare. Of a nature equal to dreams": the renowned American illustrator transforms Shakespearean texts into metaphorical, atmospheric images; curated by Nuages Milano.
• Giovanni Robustelli – "The Breath of the Mountain": ink drawings and travel sketches inspired by routes to alpine refuges, blending real paths with mythic visions.

Art market and performance

On Saturday 28 March, from 10:00 to 18:00, the historic centre becomes an open-air Plein Air art market where illustrators exhibit and create on site between Via Motta and the main squares. In the evening a live painting performance by Giovanni Robustelli will take place at the Rosmini, accompanied by narration.

Off-circuit

The festival program also includes an off-circuit with smaller shows hosted by local venues, often paired with themed menus. Notable collateral projects include exhibitions by Marco Goran Romano and Elisa Macellari in city locations.

Closing and notes

The closing event is scheduled for Sunday 3 May at 5:00 PM at Collegio Mellerio Rosmini, coinciding with an anthological exhibition marking the 20th anniversary of the local museum association. The festival offers a chance to explore Alpine identity through contemporary drawing and illustration.

Practical information

• When: 28/03/2026 – 03/05/2026 (opening 27/03 at 17:30)
• Where: Domodossola, Collegio Mellerio Rosmini (historic centre)
• Admission: free
• What to expect: illustration exhibitions, open-air market, live painting, off venues