ContemporaneA. Words and Stories of Women
The Biella-based festival giving voice to women's words and stories
About ContemporaneA
A festival dedicated to women's words and stories
In the heart of Piedmont, ContemporaneA. Words and Stories of Women has become a highly anticipated fixture in the cultural calendar of Biella, the capital of its namesake province. Launched in 2020 by the BI-BOx Art Space APS association, the festival centers on the female voice: writers, poets, philosophers, journalists, artists, entrepreneurs, athletes, and civil society activists gather for four days of meetings, dialogues, readings, exhibitions, podcasts, and live performances.
The common thread: a unique theme every year
What makes this festival special is the selection of a new theme each year, which serves as the lens through which all events are viewed. Past editions have ranged from exploring money and economic inequality in Let's Talk About Money to At the Heart of Taboos, which addressed the invisible cultural boundaries that shape everyone's lives. Each year, the festival invites the public to view reality from a fresh perspective, free from rhetoric and using accessible language.
Venues in the center of Biella
The festival takes place in some of the city's most evocative locations, primarily in the historic Piazzo district. The heart of the event is Palazzo Ferrero, alongside Palazzo Gromo Losa, the Città Studi Auditorium, and the BI-BOx Art Space gallery. These same spaces host the exhibitions accompanying the festival, creating a journey that intertwines words, images, and contemporary art.
A collaborative curatorial project
The artistic direction is entrusted to a group of curators—Irene Finiguerra, Barbara Masoni, Stefania Biamonti, Laura Colmegna, Patrizia Bellardone, and Mariangela Rossetto—who build a packed program each year featuring dozens of free events. The festival also includes a preview in Turin at the Circolo dei Lettori, where the theme and first guests of the new edition are announced.
Why it's worth attending
- Completely free admission to all talks and exhibitions.
- Over 40 events concentrated into a single weekend.
- An opportunity to discover Biella and its medieval Piazzo district.
- Prominent voices from the Italian and international cultural scene.
ContemporaneA — edition 2026
The 7th edition of the ContemporaneA. Words and Stories of Women festival takes place in Biella from September 24 to 27, 2026, under the theme Geographies of Friendship. Friendship is explored as an emotional and cultural space capable of transcending genders, generations, and differences, serving as the common thread for all events.
The edition was previewed on May 9, 2026, at the Circolo dei Lettori in Turin. The full program, including the detailed schedule of meetings and the list of guests, is announced by the organization in the weeks leading up to the event. As per tradition, all events are free to attend.
Programme ContemporaneA 2026
The detailed program for the 7th edition is published by the organization in the weeks preceding the festival. The Turin preview on May 9, 2026, dedicated to the theme Geographies of Friendship, offered a glimpse of some of the guests and dialogues to come.
Turin Preview — May 9, 2026
- Eliana Di Caro and Cristiana di San Marzano
- Audrey Millet, writer
- Carmen Gallo, poet
- Valentina Fornelli, writer
- Gianni Montieri and Giusi Marchetta
- Rosangela Fontanella (VocidiDONNE)
The complete calendar for the four days in Biella will be available on the official festival website.
Highlights ContemporaneA 2026
Theme of the edition: Geographies of Friendship. Preview on May 9, 2026, at the Circolo dei Lettori in Turin, featuring an initial group of guests including writers, poets, and voices from the Italian and international cultural scene.
Prices ContemporaneA 2026
Practical information — ContemporaneA
Getting there
Biella is accessible by car via the A4 motorway (Carisio or Santhià exits) and by train to the Biella San Paolo station, with connections from Turin and Novara. The festival venues are located in the city center and the Piazzo district, which can also be reached via the historic funicular.
Admission and reservations
All events are free to attend. For some meetings, booking is recommended: check the official website for information and the updated program.
Contacts
Organization: BI-BOx Art Space APS, Via Italia 38, Biella. Information: www.contemporanea-festival.com.
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Where does it take place — ContemporaneA
Palazzo Ferrero, Palazzo Gromo Losa e altre sedi cittadine
Via Italia 38, 13900 Biella