Pergolesi Theatre Aims for UNESCO Recognition: Positive Results, Young

Pergolesi Theatre seeks UNESCO recognition: balance sheet, young audience growth and future plans

The Pergolesi Spontini Foundation has approved the 2025 financial statements, confirming economic stability and an expanding artistic program. The Pergolesi Theatre in Jesi is active on multiple fronts: nurturing young talent, inclusion and accessibility projects, national and international collaborations and environmental sustainability measures.

Highlights from the 2025 activities and financial report:

• Turnover for 2025 around €3.4 million, with net results reinvested to strengthen the Foundation's assets.
• Growth in young audiences: the opera season recorded over 8,400 spectators, including about 2,800 under-35 (33%), and a 7% increase in subscriptions.
• Pergolesi Spontini Festival “Viaggi e Miraggi” (July–September): roughly 30 events across 15 venues, attracting more than 4,300 attendees.
• Accessibility commitment: dedicated services for blind and deaf audience members for some productions and over 40 public training meetings.

The Foundation has developed strategic partnerships, including cooperation with Macerata’s Arena Sferisterio and a three-year agreement to manage the Teatro Studio Valeria Moriconi, set to become the House of Children’s Theatre of the Marche. Major co-productions are planned for 2026 with regional partners.

Sustainability and infrastructure: in June 2025 the Foundation adopted a Manifesto for a sustainable theatre and completed an energy efficiency project funded by the PNRR, complying with the CAM criteria for cultural events.

UNESCO nomination: the Pergolesi Theatre is part of Italy’s proposed serial site nomination that brings together 18 historic communal theatres of central Italy (14 in Marche, 2 in Emilia-Romagna and 2 in Umbria). A UNESCO evaluation mission took place in 2025; the final decision is expected at the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee scheduled for July 2026.

Visitor information: the Pergolesi Theatre maintains an active schedule of performances, guided visits and educational projects. Check the Foundation's official channels for updates on programming, ticketing and accessibility services.

Significance for UNESCO sites: the nomination highlights both the architectural value and the social role of communal theatres, recognizing their cultural function within urban life and community identity in Italy.