Sarzana failed to become Capital of Culture 2028 but relaunches: 'The dossier will be implemented anyway'

Sarzana non è riuscita a diventare Capitale della Cultura 2028 ma rilancia: “Il dossier sarà realizzato ugualmente”

Sarzana, a city in Liguria, Italy, failed to win the title of Italian Capital of Culture for 2028, which was awarded to Ancona. However, instead of shelving its candidacy dossier, the city has decided to implement its strategic cultural plan, titled "L'Impavida," as its official cultural governance program for 2026-2028. The plan treats culture as a permanent infrastructure, integrating urban planning, tourism, welfare, and economic development, and was developed through a decade-long process involving co-design with associations and citizens.

Local artists highlighted at library exhibition

The Rochester Folk Art Guild highlighted local artists and makers at an exhibition held at the Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County on April 25, 2026. The event allowed the public to interact directly with craftsmen and learn about the traditions and experiences that influenced their work.

Isle of Wight Open Studios 2026 opens this Friday with more than 200 artists taking part

Isle of Wight Open Studios 2026 opens this Friday, 15th May, and runs until Monday 25th May, featuring over 200 artists and makers across the Isle of Wight. Visitors can explore studios, galleries, and creative spaces to meet painters, ceramicists, photographers, jewellers, printmakers, textile artists, and sculptors. A preview exhibition, the IWOS Showcase Exhibition, is currently on display at Quay Arts until 30th May, showcasing work from over 90 participating artists. The event has been nominated in the Red Funnel Isle of Wight Awards under 'Best Event or Festival'.

Bellamy Mansion Museum showcases “A Year of Fiber Art” quilt exhibition

The Bellamy Mansion Museum in Wilmington, North Carolina, has opened a new exhibition titled “A Year of Fiber Art,” featuring 40 quilts created by members of the Quilters by the Sea Guild. The quilts were developed through three quilting challenges and include patriotic, whimsical, and abstract designs. The exhibition runs from April 30 to July 26, with free daily admission and an artist reception scheduled for May 22.

Animalia Exhibition: When Animals Inspire Artists Across the Centuries at the Hôtel de la Marine

The Hôtel de la Marine in Paris will host "Animalia," an exhibition drawn from the Al Thani Collection, from July 1, 2026 to January 10, 2027. Featuring over 120 sculptures, paintings, and decorative works, the show explores how animals have inspired artists across centuries and cultures, from ancient Greece to modern times and from China to the Ivory Coast.