Festival of Relationships
Relational art, community, and dialogue in Varallo
About Festival of Relationships
A festival dedicated to human connections
The Festival of Relationships is a summer event that brings Varallo to life—the heart of the Valsesia valley in the province of Vercelli, Piedmont. Established in 2024 by the Associazione Culturale Creativa (ACC ETS), the festival centers on relational art: works, performances, and meetings designed not as spectacles to be observed from a distance, but as opportunities for dialogue and connection between artists, residents, and visitors.
Palazzo d'Adda and the historic center as a widespread venue
The event's headquarters is the historic Palazzo d'Adda, whose halls host exhibitions, installations, and workshops. However, the festival is not confined within four walls: the alleys, squares, and landmarks of Varallo's historic center become part of a single, widespread cultural trail, featuring musical processions, guided tours, collective performances, and convivial moments open to everyone.
Art, photography, and participation
The program is intentionally multidisciplinary. Alongside contemporary art, there is space for photography—with a focus on rediscovering analog techniques and the darkroom—as well as Mail Art, Video Art, sound research, theater, and performance. Participatory projects, such as portraits of the local area, directly involve the inhabitants, while talks and round-table discussions address themes of relationships, community, and sustainability.
A festival rooted in the territory
The Festival of Relationships is supported by the Municipality of Varallo, the Unione Montana Valsesia, the Piedmont Region, and the Regional Council, confirming its deep roots in the Valsesia area. The artistic direction is entrusted to Antonio Spanedda, president of the association. Admission is free for all events, with continuous opening hours throughout the festival days.
- Where: Palazzo d'Adda and the historic center, Varallo (VC)
- When: Early August, with exhibitions extended in the following days
- Admission: Free
- Theme: Relational art, photography, performance, participation
Why it's worth visiting
Set in the charming Alpine backdrop of Varallo—the gateway to the Valsesia valley and famous for its Sacro Monte—the Festival of Relationships offers an intimate and engaging cultural experience, far from the crowds but rich in authentic encounters. It is a unique opportunity to discover contemporary art as a tool for connection and to experience the historic center in an unusual and creative way.
Festival of Relationships — edition 2026
The third edition of the Festival of Relationships returns to Varallo from August 7 to 9, 2026, with exhibitions open until August 14. This year's theme is 'The Biology of Emotions', exploring the connection between emotional processes, human relationships, and creativity. The main venue is Palazzo d'Adda, with events spread throughout the historic center.
The inauguration on Friday, August 7, is scheduled for the late afternoon, featuring a musical procession from the Town Hall to Palazzo d'Adda accompanied by the Banda Musicale Città di Varallo, followed by the opening of the exhibitions and the IOTIAMO social lounge. Saturday and Sunday offer guided tours, Mail Art and darkroom photography workshops, theatrical performances, a community dinner, and collective performances.
Programme Festival of Relationships 2026
2026 Program — 'The Biology of Emotions'
- Friday, August 7 — Musical procession with the Banda Musicale Città di Varallo from the Town Hall to Palazzo d'Adda; inauguration and opening of exhibitions; talks, presentations, and the IOTIAMO social lounge.
- Saturday, August 8 — Guided tours of the historic center; Mail Art and analog photography (darkroom) workshops; theatrical performance; community dinner; evening performance.
- Sunday, August 9 — Mail Art and photography workshops; collective performance; talks and public meetings; closing of the IOTIAMO lounge.
Exhibitions, contemporary art installations, photographic displays of local faces, Mail Art, Video Art, and sound research projects accompany the entire duration of the festival, with exhibitions open until August 14.
Highlights Festival of Relationships 2026
- 2026 Theme: 'The Biology of Emotions'
- Inaugural musical procession with the Banda Musicale Città di Varallo
- Analog photography darkroom and Mail Art workshops
- Community dinner and participatory collective performances
- Exhibitions at Palazzo d'Adda extended until August 14
Prices Festival of Relationships 2026
Practical information — Festival of Relationships
Getting there
Varallo can be reached by car via the A26 motorway (exit Romagnano-Ghemme, then follow the SS299 of Valsesia). By train, it is served by the Novara-Varallo line. Palazzo d'Adda and other festival venues are located in the historic center, which is easily walkable.
Admission and hours
Admission to all events is free. During the festival days, venues remain open continuously (typically from morning until evening). Exhibitions continue for a few days after the performance program concludes.
Tips
Varallo is an ideal starting point for visiting the Sacro Monte (a UNESCO World Heritage site) and the upper Valsesia valley: we recommend combining your visit to the festival with a stay of one or more nights in the area's numerous hotels and B&Bs.
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Where does it take place — Festival of Relationships
Palazzo d'Adda