Arte al Centro - Cittadellarte Pistoletto Foundation

Arte al Centro, the creative heart of Biella

Arte al Centro is the annual festival organized by Cittadellarte - Pistoletto Foundation, a cultural institution established in 1998 by the master Michelangelo Pistoletto within the walls of a former wool mill along the Cervo stream in Biella, Piedmont. Every year, the event attracts artists, curators, scholars, and visitors from across Italy and abroad, reinforcing Biella's status as a UNESCO Creative City.

Art at the core of social transformation

Cittadellarte’s philosophy is rooted in the idea that art must act as a catalyst for responsible social transformation. Consequently, Arte al Centro is more than just an exhibition; it is a sprawling event that weaves together contemporary art, ecology, social economy, education, and active citizenship. The halls of the Museum of the Present, the Palazzo del Buongoverno, and the outdoor spaces host installations, permanent collection works, and participatory projects involving schools, businesses, and the local community.

The 2026 edition: hospitality at the center

The 28th edition, which opened on May 15, 2026, and runs until December 31, focuses on hospitality. It is explored as a cultural and civic practice capable of fostering listening, connection, and encounter, in dialogue with conscious and responsible tourism. Key highlights include:

• The opening of the new Hotel Cittadellarte, an "art-hotel" featuring 31 designer rooms and the exhibition The Unexpected Guest by Giuseppe Stampone;
• The Cultural Spas, an experiential format dedicated to well-being and creativity through participatory workshops (ManifestAZIONE, cerAMICA, MANOscritto, fotoGRAFIA interiorista);
• The exhibition Dans les plis - Every point is the center of the universe at the Museum of the Present;
• The projects CirculART 4.0, dedicated to fashion and sustainability, and Ecosystems as Living Communities Vol. II;
• The 2026 Minimum Prize, awarded to Giorgio de Finis and the MAAM in Rome.

A day at Cittadellarte

During Arte al Centro, exhibitions and the permanent collection can be explored through free hourly guided tours. The program alternates between conferences, performances, screenings, and social gatherings, culminating in evening live music events. Admission to exhibitions and guided tours is free, while some special events and Cultural Spa workshops require booking and a participation fee.