Centrale Festival

A festival dedicated to research photography

Centrale Festival is one of the most recognized events in the Italian landscape of research photography and contemporary art. Born in Fano, in the heart of the Province of Pesaro and Urbino (Marche), the festival is organized by the Centrale Fotografia Association and has built a constant dialogue over the years between established authors, young talents, and the public, making the Adriatic town an anticipated event for enthusiasts and professionals alike.

The 17th edition: June 12-14, 2026

The seventeenth edition takes place from June 12 to 14, 2026, with exhibitions remaining open for viewing in the following days at some venues in the Municipality of Fano. The artistic direction is entrusted to Luca Panaro and Marcello Sparaventi, president of the association. The heart of the festival is the Rocca Malatestiana, supported by a network of spaces that animate the entire historic centre.

Exhibitions, authors, and open calls

Each year, the program features dozens of Italian and international artists, selected also through an open call that for 2026 saw the participation of over one hundred artists from numerous countries worldwide. Among the edition's exhibitions are projects dedicated to contemporary visual research, video art, and experimental languages, with particular attention to the Under 30 section, which provides space for new generations of photographers.

• Photography and video art exhibitions in the historic centre spaces
• Conversations and meetings with artists and curators
• Book presentations and photographic publications
• Portfolio reviews for emerging artists
• Guided tours of the exhibitions

Festival venues

In addition to the Rocca Malatestiana, the festival unfolds in several city locations: Palazzo De Cuppis, the MeMo - Mediateca Montanari, Caffè Centrale, the CentralEdicola, and Spazio RIN. This distribution invites visitors to discover Fano's urban fabric, blending historic architecture and cultural spaces dedicated to imagery.

A cultural event in the Marche

With its rigorous curatorial approach and free admission, Centrale Festival offers a precious opportunity to engage with author photography in a welcoming setting. Its timing in June, at the start of the summer season on the Adriatic coast, also makes it an ideal stop for those visiting Fano and the Marche in search of quality cultural offerings.