With the Terre Immerse project, Matera will not only be the Mediterranean Capital of Culture and Dialogue 2026, but it will also become a true laboratory for cultural innovation. This initiative aims to demonstrate how culture can be a driving force in addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing the contemporary Mediterranean, transforming its diversity and complexity into a resource for cohesion and progress.

At the heart of Terre Immerse lies the ability to connect communities, territories, and histories, fostering dialogue between opposite shores of the Mediterranean through artistic collaborations, institutional meetings, and participatory initiatives. Each event will be an opportunity to experiment with new models of cultural and social dialogue, enhancing the unique characteristics of each territory and its traditions.

Among the many planned actions, some key initiatives reflect this innovative vision:

• Euro-Mediterranean Artistic Residencies: Artists from the 43 member countries of the Union for the Mediterranean will collaborate to create works that reflect the cultural mosaic of the Mediterranean, actively engaging local communities and promoting a participatory approach.
• Dialogues on Sustainability: Conferences and workshops will explore topics such as natural resource management, climate change mitigation, and the promotion of sustainable development, always with a Mediterranean perspective.
• Social Inclusion Projects: Migrant communities living in Southern Italy and other Mediterranean regions will be at the center of initiatives aimed at fostering cohesion and dialogue, using culture as a vehicle for integration.
• Intercultural Education Pathways: Schools and universities will be actively involved in educational programs designed to help young people understand and appreciate the cultural diversity of the Mediterranean.

The network of connections that Terre Immerse seeks to build goes beyond the 2026 event. It aims to lay the foundations for a lasting legacy, where culture becomes a permanent tool for addressing Mediterranean challenges, not just as a geographical space, but as a symbol of exchange and dialogue.

Matera, with its rich history and cultural heritage, is the ideal starting point for this project, but its success will depend on everyone’s participation—institutions, citizens, artists, and organizations. Terre Immerse invites every Mediterranean community to be part of this extraordinary journey.

Join the journey of Terre Immerse and discover how the Mediterranean can become a laboratory of cultural and social innovation. Follow our updates on LinkedIn and be part of building a Mediterranean that dialogues and grows together.