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.
This decision matters because it reflects a growing trend among mid-sized Italian cities to place culture at the center of public policy, moving beyond episodic programming to a systemic approach. Sarzana's plan aims to connect heritage, community participation, and knowledge networks, while also leveraging culture for economic growth through slow tourism and local craftsmanship. The project is supported by the national program "Cantiere Città," promoted by the Ministry of Culture and the Fondazione Scuola dei beni e delle attività culturali, ensuring the dossier does not remain on paper but becomes a concrete, long-term strategy.