Matera Mediterranean Capital 2026: Municipality and Ministry

Matera Mediterranean Capital 2026: Municipality and Ministry countersign agreement

The Municipality of Matera has received the countersigned agreement from the Ministry of Culture (MiC) to access the €4 million allocated by the budget law for the Matera Mediterranean Capital of Culture and Dialogue 2026 program. The update was given at the municipal council by Mayor Antonio Nicoletti.

• Operational talks continue: on the same day a meeting was held between the Ministry's directorates and municipal offices to agree on next steps.
• Authorities are preparing a framework agreement to be signed by the Municipality and the ministry entities that will implement parts of the program.
• The Fondazione Matera-Basilicata 2019, represented by Rita Orlando, outlined the plan for the artist residency call: it will be published in two phases, starting with an expression of interest for local producers to encourage co-design and connections across the Euro-Mediterranean area.

Municipal and Ministry offices are finalising the operational timetable in line with Minister Giuli's decree. The agreement aims to coordinate funds and expertise to deliver cultural and dialogue initiatives during 2026.