Seven years after its year as European Capital of Culture, and when Matera is Mediterranean Capital of Culture and dialogue for 2026, the city of the Sassi asks what it means to be Mediterranean without a coastline. The answer comes from nine artists, four museums and a walk across the old town – until 8 December 2026.

This year, R.o.R becomes R.o.R+ and moves to Vila Vipolže in the Brda region for the first time. The festival of contemporary art and intermedia practices is entering a new phase of development.

As is well known, in 2031 it will be Spain and Malta's turn to host the European Capital of Culture. While in Malta the outcome is virtually decided — only one city, Victoria-Gozo, made the shortlist, and it is highly unlikely, though technically possible under the rules, that the title won't go to it — in Spain the race remains wide open between four cities: Cáceres, Granada, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Oviedo.

In 2025, Slovenia was one of two European countries to host a European Capital of Culture, alongside Germany’s Chemnitz. Nova Gorica was awarded the title, which it shared with the Italian city of Gorizia: a symbolic and powerful choice, as the entire cultural programme was built around the idea of overcoming the border that had divided the two cities for decades. An urban, physical and mental border, transformed into fertile ground for projects capable of fostering dialogue between artists, communities and creatives from both countries.