Fondazione Carige opens its Genoa headquarters for the fourth edition of the “è cultura!” festival, running a multi-day program of books, music, theater, and exhibitions from October 15 to October 24. The series centers on Genoa and its historic ties to the sea, using art, urban history, and literature to explore the city’s maritime identity while showcasing young local artists.
Promoted by ABI and Acri with the participation of banks operating in Italy, banking foundations, and the Bank of Italy, the polycentric festival positions arts and creativity as drivers of development, inclusion, innovation, and financial education. The Carige program spans over a week, featuring historical photography, classical concerts, book presentations, and architectural talks across its Palazzo.
Photographic Exhibitions Trace Genoa Urban Evolution on October 16
The cultural calendar launches on October 16 with the photography exhibition “From the Ideal City to the Real City.” Curated from the Historical Photographic Archive of the Municipality of Genoa (Centro DocSAI), the display features images spanning from the second half of the 19th century through the early 20th century. These photographs converse directly with 18th-century views by Antonio Giolfi, detailing urban changes, port expansions, and the transformation of public spaces.
This exhibition connects with a broader collaborative showcase hosted by BPER Banca at Via Cassa di Risparmio 15, titled “Ideal Genoa: Antonio Giolfi and the Invention of the City’s Modern Image.” DocSAI Director Andreana Serra curates that companion exhibit, pairing both institutions in a joint regional heritage project.
Historical Thriller Presentation and Musical Performances Set for October 16 to October 18
On Friday, October 16, at 17:00 local time, Roberto Timossi, author and board member of Fondazione Carige, presents his historical novel “I corni del destino”. Foundation President Lorenzo Cuocolo joins the presentation. Set between the Second and Third Crusades, the thriller follows a quest for a mysterious “relic of relics” across Ligurian sites, including Genoa, the Tiglieto Abbey, Alassio, and Gallinara Island.
The Orchestra Paganini curates two musical events during the opening weekend. Guitarist Riccardo Guella performs works by Niccolò Paganini, Isaac Albéniz, Antonio José, and Francisco Tárrega on Saturday, October 17, at 17:30. On Sunday, October 18, at 17:30, the Trio Kegelstatt takes the stage, composed of clarinetist Sirya Francesca Scarselli, violist Anastasia D’Elia, and pianist Nicolò Gadaleta, performing pieces by Mozart, Glinka, and Beethoven. The ensemble was formed in 2025 and was admitted in 2026 to the advanced specialization course under maestro Bruno Canino at the Fiesole School of Music.
Alongside these concerts, the Palazzo opens its doors for guided tours on October 17 and 18 between 10:00 and 14:00, allowing visitors to view the building’s internal art collection.
Architectural Lectures and Theater Productions Explore Maritime Heritage
On Tuesday, October 20, at 17:30, artist and architect Patrizia Pittaluga delivers a watercolor-illustrated lecture titled “La Superba Bellezza di Genova nei secoli”. The talk examines the streets, palazzos, and viewpoints that shaped the city’s urban identity.
The festival’s maritime theme returns on Wednesday, October 21, and Friday, October 23, at 17:30. Actors Davide Niccolini and Federica Trovato of the Teatro Nazionale di Genova perform “Destinazione Atlantide. Storie e canti del mare”. The reading weaves together texts by Plato, Coleridge, Hemingway, and Baricco against a backdrop of traditional seafaring music.
Artistic Ethics Discussion Closes the Festival on October 24
The program concludes on Saturday, October 24, at 18:00, with the presentation of “Breviario di etica artistica”. Authors Armando Punzo and Rossella Menna join moderator Andrea Porcheddu to discuss the role of art in contemporary society and its relationship with institutions, drawing on their work within prison theater programs.
Worth a look
