Matera councilors contest tight deadlines for 2026 cultural projects

Councilors in Matera have filed an urgent inquiry against Mayor Nicoletti regarding the short timeframe provided for cultural project proposals related to the city’s designation as the Mediterranean Capital of Culture and Dialogue 2026.

The administration published a notice on October 8 with a deadline of October 13, leaving local operators only five days to formulate proposals. Critics argue this rapid timeline risks excluding small local entities and sacrificing the artistic quality of the projects.

Concerns have also been raised regarding a lack of coordination between the Municipality and the Fondazione Matera Basilicata 2019, as the two entities have promoted distinct notices, complicating the process for local associations and cultural workers.