Life on Mars
The international laboratory for cultural cooperation in Ostia Antica
About Life on Mars
A laboratory to rethink cultural cooperation
Life on Mars is the traveling format created by Liv.in.g - Live Internationalization Gateway, a social enterprise committed to promoting fairer growth in internationalization and cultural cooperation processes. Following editions in Milan (2019), Mantua (2021), and Bologna (2022), the laboratory has chosen Rome as its home, bringing its work to the evocative Castello di Giulio II, located in the medieval village of Ostia Antica. The 2026 edition will take place on October 15th and 16th, 2026.
The core question of the 2026 edition
The common thread of this edition is a provocation: if we had to reinvent international cultural cooperation from scratch today, what would we keep, what would we dismantle, and what would we redesign? This question drives two days packed with talks, panels, and collaborative sessions, with a particular focus on equity, the mobility of artists and professionals, new European cultural policies, and the ethical use of artificial intelligence in the creative sector.
More than a conference, an immersive experience
Life on Mars is not designed as a traditional conference: it is an immersive experience that alternates dialogues with international experts, co-creation workshops, mentoring moments, practical tools, and networking opportunities. The goal is to transform insights and projects into lasting alliances and sustainable practices. The audience consists of artists, cultural professionals and managers, institutional representatives, researchers, and specialists in international cooperation, many of whom are involved in European projects.
An international network in Ostia Antica
The project stems from a dense network of national and international partners—including On the Move, C.Re.S.Co., the Accademia Teatro alla Scala, and other European entities—and confirms Rome's vocation as a meeting place for cultures. The setting of the Castello di Giulio II, overlooking the village of Ostia Antica, offers an intimate and inspiring workspace, just a few steps from the famous Archaeological Park. The event takes place in the Municipality of Rome, within the Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, in the Lazio region.
Accessible and free
Consistent with its mission, Life on Mars is free to attend, subject to registration. It is a valuable opportunity for those working in the cultural sector who wish to explore new perspectives, strengthen their project management skills, and build collaborations beyond national borders.
Life on Mars — edition 2026
On October 15th and 16th, 2026, Life on Mars brings the Castello di Giulio II in the village of Ostia Antica, Rome, to life with two days entirely dedicated to the future of international cultural cooperation. The first day, themed around cooperation as knowledge and equity, alternates talks and panels with the first major collaborative laboratory; the second day, focused on cooperation as experimentation and future-building, continues with panels, a participatory imaginative walk, and a co-design session. Recurring themes include equity, freedom of expression, sustainable artist mobility, and the role of generative artificial intelligence in the cultural sector. The event is free, upon registration.
Programme Life on Mars 2026
Thursday, October 15 - Cooperation as knowledge and equity
- 09:30-10:00 Welcome and opening
- 10:00-11:00 Presentation of the On the Move Mobility Guide
- 11:00-11:40 Talk "Emotions, neoliberalism, and cultural cooperation"
- 12:20-13:30 Panel on cooperation, equity, and freedom of expression
- 15:00-18:30 Collaborative laboratory with AI-assisted co-creation session
- 18:30-20:00 Networking dinner
Friday, October 16 - Cooperation as experimentation and future-building
- 09:30-10:00 Recap of the first day
- 10:00-11:30 Panel on cultural experiences and equity practices
- 11:45-12:20 Talk "Generative AI and cultural cooperation"
- 12:20-13:30 Participatory imaginative walk
- 15:30-18:30 Co-design workshop for sustainable cooperation models
- 18:30-19:00 Concluding reflections
Announced speakers include: Émilie Renouvin (Institut Français), Abdullah Alkafri (Ettijahat), Yohann Floch (On the Move), Federico Bomba (Sineglossa), and Chrissie Faniadis (Eunia).
Highlights Life on Mars 2026
- Two days of work at the Castello di Giulio II, a medieval setting in the village of Ostia Antica
- Talks and panels with international experts in cultural cooperation
- Co-creation workshops, including AI-assisted sessions
- Focus on equity, artist mobility, and ethical AI in the cultural sector
- Networking dinner with professionals and institutions from across Europe
Prices Life on Mars 2026
Practical information — Life on Mars
How to get there
The Castello di Giulio II is located at Piazza della Rocca 13, in the village of Ostia Antica (Municipality of Rome). By train: take the Roma-Lido line (Ostia Antica station) from the Porta San Paolo/Piramide station, then walk for a few minutes. By car: from the Grande Raccordo Anulare (GRA), follow signs for Ostia/Ostia Antica.
Dates and times
October 15th and 16th, 2026, from approximately 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM.
Admission and registration
Participation is free. Registration is mandatory via Eventbrite, typically by October 10th. Places are limited: early registration is recommended.
Contacts
Liv.in.g - [email protected] - www.livingnet.eu
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Where does it take place — Life on Mars
Castello di Giulio II (Borgo di Ostia Antica)
Piazza della Rocca 13, 00119 Roma