NINA - Neither Intelligent Nor Artificial (Rome edition)

A festival challenging algorithms in Garbatella

From May 8th to 10th, 2026, the Rome edition of NINA - Neither Intelligent Nor Artificial will bring the Garbatella district—a historic neighborhood in Rome's Municipio VIII—to life. For three days, Millepiani, CSOA La Strada, and L863 will serve as the stage for a public and political debate on digital technologies, promoted by the Milanese research collective N.I.N.A. with the patronage of the City of Rome. This marks the festival's first arrival in the capital, bringing a dialogue that bridges research, activism, and digital culture to the Lazio region.

Neither intelligent, nor neutral

At the heart of the festival lies an uncomfortable question: is artificial intelligence truly neutral? NINA starts from the concept of the «uncomputable»—everything that cannot and should not be calculated—to interrogate the relationship between generative AI, large language models, and the algorithmic governance of daily life. Labor, relationships, rights, and information are observed with a critical eye, far removed from uncritical enthusiasm and tech marketing. It is not a techno-skeptical festival for its own sake, but a space where technicians, artists, theorists, and curious minds attempt to imagine a different, more conscious use of machines.

Talks, workshops, and performances

The program weaves together different formats over the three days. Offerings range from talks on AI in journalism to practical digital self-defense workshops, from biometric data protection to exhibitions on the uncomputable, and even virtual reality musical performances. Every event is designed to be accessible to non-experts: discussions cover personnel selection algorithms, data used for urban planning, free software, and the Fediverse as an alternative to major platforms.

The «Intelligenza autonoma» magazine and the digital union

Among the most anticipated moments is the presentation of the magazine «Intelligenza autonoma», described by the organizers as «a manual for digital defense and counterattack», and the launch of the concept of a universal digital union, giving a voice to those who work with and for algorithms. Alongside the meetings, an anonymous channel will collect reports on discrimination produced by automated hiring systems.

Garbatella, the heart of the festival

The choice of Garbatella is no coincidence: a neighborhood defined by its working-class and cooperative roots in Rome's Municipio VIII, it has always been a place of social and cultural experimentation. Hosting a festival on artificial intelligence here means bringing a topic often confined to laboratories and major conferences into the life of a local community, among self-managed spaces, coworking hubs, and community centers. Admission to all events is free.