Introduction
L’Aquila stands at a pivotal moment in its contemporary history.
Sixteen years after the 2009 earthquake, the city has embarked on a remarkable journey of rebirth and innovation, becoming a European laboratory for cultural and creative development.
As one of the territories most severely affected by that tragedy, it is important to highlight how the region of Abruzzo, Forte e Gentile (strong and gentle), has transformed resilience into a driving force for renewal, turning challenges into opportunities for cultural and social growth.
The conference marks the launch of a strategic process aimed at positioning L’Aquila as a European hub of cultural innovation, with the goals to:
- Establish a structured dialogue among European institutions, local authorities, and cultural networks;
- Share models and best practices of cultural and creative ecosystems in medium-sized cities;
- Define territorial strategies for competitiveness, sustainability, and social cohesion through culture.
In this context, the nomination of L’Aquila as a European Hub of Cultural Innovation 2026 represents a milestone and a symbol of collective effort, embracing memory, innovation, and a cultural vision within a European perspective, as a tool for unity and regeneration.
09:30 – 10:30 AM | Institutional addresses
- Alessandro Giuli, Minister of Culture
- Pierluigi Biondi, Mayor of L’Aquila
- Roberto Santangelo, Abruzzo Region
- Luca Perego, Head of Unit, Innovation and EIT, DG Education and Culture, European Commission
10:30 – 11:30 AM | Cultural and creative ecosystems in Europe
- Michal Hladky, Creative Industry Kosice and EIT-KIC Culture & Creativity East
- Gerin Trautenberger, ECBN and EIT-KIC Culture & Creativity South East
11:30 – 12:00 PM | Coffe Break
12:00 – 1:30 PM | Cultural and creative ecosystems in Europe
- Maria Claudia Coppola, EIT-KIC Culture & Creativity
- Bernd Fesel, HBK Essen
- Andreas Sønning, Sønnning Music Performance, Professor, Norwegian Academy of Music, Oslo
1:30 – 2:30 PM | Light Lunch
3:00 – 6:00 PM | Cultural and creative ecosystems in medium-sized cities
- Alessandro Crociata, L’Aquila 2026 and University of Chieti-Pescara
- Arthur Le Gall, KEA European Affairs
- Florian Schneider – University of Galway and NTNU Trondheim
- Jean Francois Chougnet, Bourges 2028
- Ariane Bieou, Cultural expert and manager
* to be confirmed
9:30 – 11:00 AM | Territorial policies for the competitiveness of cultural and creative ecosystems
- Pier Luigi Sacco, L’Aquila 2026 and University of Chieti-Pescara
- Giorgio Fazio – Creative PEC and University of Newcastle
- Joanna Woroncowicz – Copenhagen Business School and Indiana University
11:00 – 12:00 PM | Coffe Break
12:00 – 1:00 PM | Territorial policies for the competitiveness of cultural and creative ecosystems
- Pau Rausell Koster – Universitat de Valencia
- Cristiano Seganfreddo – Publisher, Flash Art International
1:00 – 1:30 PM | Closing remarks
Conference Objectives
Info