The final two-day event of Art Festival 2026 concluded on Sunday, July 12th, in Recanati. This marked the end of the tenth edition of the event, which unfolded over three weekends and spread across five cities in the provinces of Macerata, Ancona, and Ascoli Piceno.
This long artistic marathon began on June 26th, during which the Festival adapted to the unique characteristics of each region, offering audiences quality performances, moments of encounter, and intense emotions. This achievement was made possible by the commitment of the social promotion association Whats Art, founded in Recanati with the aim of promoting contemporary art and which has grown over the years thanks to the passion, expertise, and dedication of its members and volunteers.
The story of Art Festival began in 2016, based on an idea by Gian Luigi Mandolini. What then seemed like a gamble, supported by limited resources but fueled by enthusiasm and determination, has gradually transformed into an internationally renowned event, establishing itself thanks to the presence of renowned artists from around the world. Over time, the Festival has consolidated its own distinctive identity, appreciated by artists and audiences alike, founded on the plurality of artistic languages, attention to detail, and a focus on human relationships.

This journey was made possible, above all, by the organization’s strong team spirit, often compensating for the limited financial resources required to meet the project’s ambitions. The support of the host municipalities and sponsors who believed in the project was crucial, allowing the development of a now consolidated and recognized cultural initiative.
However, the challenges that affect most Italian cultural events remain: despite the initiatives’ artistic value and their ability to generate positive impacts on the local communities, the resources available, both regionally and nationally, are often insufficient to adequately support their growth and foster project development. In this context, Art Festival continues to represent a virtuous example of collaboration between diverse communities, creating connections between cities and local communities through the universal language of art. This journey has enjoyed the constant support of local media outlets over the years, but has yet to achieve adequate visibility within the regional public service, depriving a cultural experience with interprovincial scope of broader media coverage.

Over the past ten years, the Festival has become a place for encounter, inclusion, and discussion, capable of highlighting local specificities without sacrificing a broad and shared vision of culture. This formula has helped make it one of the most significant events dedicated to the performing arts in Central Italy.
Aware of the progress made and the results achieved, Art Festival now looks to the new challenges of the future. Supporting its journey is a growing network of artists, collaborators, institutions, and citizens who recognize the Festival’s extraordinary ability to build community, generate cultural opportunities, and tenaciously address the complexities of the sector.
Building on the success of the public and cultural professionals, Art Festival is looking forward to a special unscheduled date in Montefano on July 25th, with new shows and initiatives designed to engage adults and children in another day of art, participation, and sharing.