Fuoriprogramma Visual Arts Festival

A contemporary art festival between Biella and Ivrea

Fuoriprogramma is the visual arts festival that brings the village of Magnano to life every summer. Located in the province of Biella, nestled between Biella and Ivrea on the edge of the evocative Bessa Nature Reserve in Piedmont, the project was born in 2023 from an idea by artists Michela Pomaro and Giovanni Frangi. In 2025, it evolved into a social promotion association (Fuoriprogramma APS) with the goal of promoting the work of young academy-trained artists by offering them high-quality exhibition opportunities.

Art in dialogue with the village

The festival's format is that of a widespread exhibition: works are not concentrated in a single venue but distributed across churches, houses, cellars, and historic spots, inviting the public on a journey of discovery among the ancient stones of Magnano. Painting, sculpture, drawing, photography, and site-specific installations engage with the architecture and landscape of the Biella region, creating a contemporary experience that is neither distant nor elitist.

The 2026 Program

The 2026 edition spans the entire summer, from June 20 to August 23, with a calendar full of openings, discussions, and exhibitions:

• June 20 — Presentation of the site-specific mural "Dov'è Dio" by Tommaso Frattini, created during an artist residency and curated by Cecilia Severini.
• June 20-21 — "Fotografare la Musica" (Photographing Music), two days of discussions on the relationship between photography and music, curated by Angela Madesani and Luca Fiore.
• July 11 - August 9 — "Chiaroscuro" exhibition by Luca Campestri at the Church of Santa Marta, curated by Marta Cereda.
• July 25 - August 23 — "Tutto a Posto" sculptures by Matteo Negri at the Parish House, curated by Davide Rui.
• August 23 — Inclusive sensory workshop "L'arte che coinvolge e unisce" (Art that engages and unites), conceived by Matteo Negri.

A project supported by the territory

Fuoriprogramma is supported by local institutions in the Biella area: the 2026 edition is among the projects funded by the Culturhub call for proposals by the Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Biella, confirming the festival's deep roots in the local cultural fabric. Admission to the exhibitions is free, in line with the festival's mission to bring contemporary art to a wide audience.

Why visit

Visiting Fuoriprogramma means combining the discovery of contemporary art with the charm of an authentic Piedmontese village. A walk through the artworks is also an opportunity to explore Magnano, the nearby Bose monastic community, and the Bessa Reserve, for a summer weekend dedicated to culture and nature.