Italian cities Ancona and Pesaro launch major cultural initiatives amid scrutiny

In Ancona, the municipality has launched a digital marketing strategy to promote the city's tourism ahead of its designation as the Italian Capital of Culture 2028. The initiative involves a direct assignment to Italiaonline Spa to implement a Connected TV campaign on Netflix, scheduled to begin in December 2026. The project aims to showcase the city's historical and artistic heritage to both national and international audiences.

In Pesaro, the Guardia di Finanza has opened an investigation regarding the installation of 'La Biosfera,' a large luminous sphere in Piazza del Popolo that cost approximately 770,000 euros. The investigation follows complaints filed by center-right city councilors to the Prosecutor's Office, ANAC, and the Court of Auditors. Concerns involve the selection of the contractor, Artifact srl, and reports that the company was not yet officially active in the Chamber of Commerce at the time the contract was awarded.