International Cooperation Festival
Human rights, inclusion, and peace between San Vito dei Normanni and Ostuni
Edition 2026 not confirmed to date
This edition has not been confirmed by the organiser to date. We recommend checking before going.
About Cooperation Festival
A human rights festival in the heart of Puglia
The International Cooperation Festival is one of the most original civic events in the Province of Brindisi: a widespread festival that every autumn unites the towns of San Vito dei Normanni and Ostuni, in Puglia, around the themes of human rights, inclusion, and peace. It is not just a show, but an open civic space where culture and participation become concrete tools for cooperation between peoples.
Who organizes it
The festival is promoted by AIFO (Italian Association of Friends of Raoul Follereau) and RIDS - Italian Network for Disability and Development, coordinated by Dr. Franco Colizzi and supported by local municipal administrations. Each edition is part of the AIFO Inclusion Campaign and aligns with the UN 2030 Agenda Goals, particularly Goal 16 on peace, justice, and strong institutions.
What to expect during the festival
The program takes place over several days across different venues in both towns: Casa Carbotti in San Vito dei Normanni, the Auditorium and Exhibition Hall of the Municipal Library in Ostuni, local high schools, and city squares. Recurring events include:
- Photography exhibitions dedicated to major contemporary issues, such as migrant rescue operations in the Mediterranean;
- Conferences and round tables with representatives from international agencies, the Red Cross, UNICEF, and the diplomatic corps;
- School meetings with students and teachers on the rights of people with disabilities;
- Performances and community moments, from flag-wavers to traditional Puglian Mediterranean dinners.
A bridge between the local area and the world
What sets the festival apart is its ability to connect the small-scale local area of Brindisi with major global issues: in recent years, collaboration agreements have been signed with the Ukrainian town of Kobleve, moving international cooperation from the realm of ideas to concrete actions. For those visiting Puglia in autumn, it is an opportunity to discover a less touristy and more participatory side of San Vito dei Normanni and Ostuni.
Cooperation Festival — edition 2026
The year 2026 will mark the tenth anniversary of the International Cooperation Festival, a milestone that the organizers intend to celebrate with a broader edition between San Vito dei Normanni and Ostuni, in the Province of Brindisi.
As of now, the dates for the 2026 edition have not yet been announced and the detailed program is yet to be published. Based on past editions, the event usually takes place in autumn and maintains its widespread format consisting of exhibitions, conferences on human rights and inclusion, school meetings, and community moments. Official updates will be released by AIFO, RIDS, and on the festival's Facebook page.
Prices Cooperation Festival 2026
Practical information — Cooperation Festival
Where it takes place
The festival is held across San Vito dei Normanni (main venue: Casa Carbotti) and Ostuni (Municipal Library, auditorium, high schools, and squares), in the Province of Brindisi.
How to get there
By car: take the SS379 Brindisi-Bari expressway, exit at San Vito dei Normanni or Ostuni. By train: San Vito dei Normanni station on the Brindisi-Taranto line, or Ostuni station on the Adriatic line. Nearest airport: Brindisi-Salento (approx. 25 km).
Admission
All events are free and open to the public. Reservations may be required for conferences and school meetings.
Info
Updates on the program and venues are available on the official festival Facebook page and AIFO channels.
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Where does it take place — Cooperation Festival
Casa Carbotti
Casa Carbotti, Via Carmine, 72019 San Vito dei Normanni