ALLATRA Italy at the 2026 Minerva International Award: Art as a Space for Dialogue and Unity

2026 Minerva International Art Award

From October 9 to 11, 2026, the historic casemates of Pizzighettone brought together representatives from the worlds of art, culture, and public life for the 2026 Minerva International Art Award, organized by Minerva—the European Association of Art Critics in Italy.

The exhibition featured works by more than 15 artists across painting, sculpture, and photography. Among the highlights were Giorgio de Chirico’s renowned Piazza d’Italia, alongside works by Francesco Garofalo and Dario Morandeni, presented outside the competition. 

The event was distinguished by its diversity of artistic approaches and creative perspectives. The historic casemates provided a unique setting for works representing a wide range of artistic styles and movements. 

Pictured from left to right: Simona Gervasio, President of the Minerva European Association of Art Critics in Italy and art expert; Domenico Formica Mengano, National Head of the Arts Division at the Minerva Association, Rotary Club art project curator, opera director, and set designer; Stefano Masullo, Rector of ISFOA University; Francesco Garofalo, Vice President of the Minerva Association in Italy, professor, art critic, and artist; Nabil Bougarech, representative of ALLATRA Italy.

Art, People, and Society: A Dialogue at Minerva Award

The ALLATRA Italy media team interviewed award organizers, representatives of the cultural and academic communities, and artists featured in the exhibition.

The conversations centered on the role art plays in people's lives, how culture helps people from different backgrounds find common ground, and why creating spaces for open public dialogue is especially important today. 

Participants explored the meaning behind works of art, the ideas and emotions artists seek to convey to viewers, and the messages art can pass on to future generations. 

Special attention was given to what fosters mutual understanding among people and the human values that are important to preserve in today's society. 

Pictured from left to right: Luisa Solano, contemporary artist and participant in the 2026 Minerva Award exhibition; Carlo Pedrazzini, President of Pizzighettone Fiere dell’Adda; Sergio Perini, watercolor artist and participant in the Premio Minerva 2026 exhibition; Giovanni Scotti, President of the Sospiro and MAI Foundations; Nabil Bougarech, representative of ALLATRA Italy.

During the event, ALLATRA Italy representatives interviewed organizers, experts, and artists, including:

• Simona Gervasio—President of the Minerva European Association of Art Critics in Italy and art expert;
• Francesco Garofalo—Vice President of the Minerva Association in Italy, professor, art critic, and artist;
• Stefano Masullo—Rector of ISFOA University;
• Domenico Formica Mengano—National Head of the Arts Division at the Minerva Association, curator of Rotary Club art projects, opera director, and set designer;
• Carlo Pedrazzini—President of Pizzighettone Fiere dell’Adda;
• Giovanni Scotti—President of the Sospiro and MAI Foundations;
• Sergio Perini—watercolor artist and participant in the 2026 Minerva Award exhibition;
• Luisa Solano—contemporary artist and participant in the Premio Minerva 2026 exhibition;
• Henrik Peter Hofsaess—German artist and photographer whose work was featured in the 2026 Minerva Award exhibition;
• Leila Brody—artist and communicator whose work was featured in the 2026 Minerva Award exhibition;
• Andrea Carangelo—visual artist whose work was featured in the 2026 Minerva Award exhibition.

Pictured from left to right: Andrea Carangelo, visual artist, participant in the 2026 Minerva Award exhibition; Leila Brody, artist, communicator, participant in the 2026 Minerva Award exhibition; Henrik Peter Hofsaess, German artist, photographer, participant in the 2026 Minerva Award exhibition; Nabil Bougarech, representative of ALLATRA Italy.

Each conversation offered an opportunity to hear different perspectives and gain a deeper understanding of how artists and cultural figures view their role in society.

The 2026 Minerva International Art Award demonstrated that artistic initiatives can serve not only as platforms for showcasing and evaluating creative work but also as spaces for building new connections, exchanging ideas, and engaging in meaningful conversations.

About ALLATRA

ALLATRA is an international organization with a research center in the United States (ALLATRA Global Research Center), engaged in the comprehensive analysis of climate and environmental changes, the study of the impact of micro- and nanoplastics, and the promotion of intercultural cooperation and the protection of fundamental human rights and freedoms.

In recognition of its commitment to environmental protection and preservation of creation, ALLATRA received an Apostolic Blessing from His Holiness Pope Francis in 2024. In 2025, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV likewise bestowed an Apostolic Blessing upon the President of ALLATRA and all its volunteers.

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