Arte Fiera 49, 'Cosa sarà': a new cycle for Italy's longest running art fair

Arte Fiera will return to Bologna from 6 to 8 February 2026, with a preview on 5 February. This 49th edition, called Cosa sarà (“What will it be”), marks a new phase for the fair. It is the first time Davide Ferri leads the artistic direction, working with Enea Righi, who is now in his fourth year as operational director.  

Arte Fiera, founded in 1974, is Italy’s longest-running art fair and has recently confirmed its importance in the national art scene. The 2026 title is more than just poetic—it shows a willingness to look ahead, embrace uncertainty, and focus on the unique connection between collectors, audiences, and contemporary art.  

Two halls, one Italian narrative  

The layout of Arte Fiera is a key part of its identity. The two historic halls at BolognaFiere, filled with natural light, set up a conversation between Modern and post-war art in Hall 26 and contemporary and emerging art in Hall 25. This setup avoids strict categories and instead shows the variety of Italian art across generations.  

200 exhibitors and a shared vision

In 2026, Arte Fiera will have 200 exhibitors: 174 galleries, 12 publishing exhibitors, and 14 institutions. Many major historical galleries are returning, and there are also many first-time participants. This mix strengthens the fair’s Italian roots while keeping an international perspective.  

Curated sections mapping the present  

Five curated, invitation-only sections are key to shaping the fair’s focus on contemporary art.  “Ventesimo+”, curated by Alberto Salvadori, focuses on 20th-century art and collecting practices as expressions of identity and cultural vision. “Photography and Surroundings”, curated by Marta Papini, broadens the scope of photography to include cross-media practices, historical figures, and emerging voices. “Multiples”, curated for the first time by Lorenzo Gigotti, explores reproducibility and accessibility in art and proposes more inclusive market models. “Pittura XXI”, curated by Ilaria Gianni, highlights painting as a vital contemporary language since 2000. “Prospettiva”, curated by Michele D’Aurizio, is dedicated to emerging generations through monographic presentations by young and research-oriented galleries.  

Awards, acquisitions, and institutional commitment  

Arte Fiera 2026 builds its role as an institution with many awards and acquisition programs. The new Arte Fiera Fund, worth €100,000 and supported by BolognaFiere and Cosmoprof, is an important move toward creating a permanent collection. Long-standing prizes and the second Flash Art Italia Award also show the fair’s ongoing support for Italian art.  

Beyond the fair: Arte Fiera as a cultural platform  T

hrough editorial formats such as “LET’S WALK”, “LET’S TALK,” and Book Talk, Arte Fiera extends its presence beyond the exhibition halls, fostering dialogue between art, publishing, the city of Bologna, and its audiences.  With Cosa sarà, Arte Fiera positions itself not merely as a marketplace, but as a cultural infrastructure: a space where market dynamics, curatorial research, and public engagement converge to imagine the future of Italian contemporary art.