The announcement was made at a ceremony to proclaim the winner among five finalists including Pescara, Carrara, Gallarte and Todi.
The first Italian capital of contemporary art was selected for its “model of cultural intervention based on values and actions that recognise art and culture as a common asset,” said Giuli.
In 1968, Gibellina was destroyed by an earthquake. The mayor at the time, Ludovico Corrao, invited artists to create works to be displayed in the new rebuilt city twenty kilometres away.
Over the years, other artists came and contributed to Gibellina’s collection.
Pieces by Mario Schifano, Andrea Cascella, Arnaldo Pomodoro, Ludovico Quaroni, Mimmo Paladino, Franco Angeli, Franco Purini, Carla Accardi and Mimmo Rotella adorn the city.
The Sicilian tourism website calls the town an ‘open-air museum of contemporary art’.
Gibellina was one of 23 candidates examined by the ministry for the title.
ANSA
