Paratissima 2026, the contemporary art fair in Turin, closed on Saturday after drawing more than 13,000 visitors, organizers said. The event was a centerpiece of Torino Art Week, which runs from May 20 to May 27, showcasing emerging artists from Italy and abroad.
Key figures and program highlights
The fair featured 120 exhibitors across three venues: the Lingotto Fiere pavilion, the Castello di Rivoli museum and the historic Palazzo Madama. According to the fair’s director, Luca Bianchi, the attendance exceeded expectations for a first‑time edition focused on new talent.
Visitors encountered works ranging from digital installations to experimental sculpture. Notable projects included a VR immersion by Milan‑based collective Neon Pulse and a sound‑scape by Cairo‑born artist Samira El‑Haddad, both highlighted in the fair’s “Emerging Voices” program.
Context within Torino Art Week
Torino Art Week, organized by the municipal cultural office, aims to position the city as a hub for contemporary culture. This year’s theme, “Future Horizons,” emphasized the role of young creators in shaping artistic discourse. Paratissima 2026 was scheduled as the week’s flagship event, complementing parallel exhibitions at the GAM and a series of public talks at the University of Turin.
City officials reported that the fair contributed to a 12% rise in hotel bookings and a noticeable increase in foot traffic along Via Roma, the main commercial artery near the venues.
Looking ahead
The organizers announced plans to expand the fair next year, aiming for 150 exhibitors and a target of 20,000 visitors. A call for proposals will open in early 2027, inviting emerging artists to submit works that engage with technology and social issues.
Why it matters: The strong turnout at Paratissima 2026 signals growing interest in emerging art across the Middle East and Egypt, where artists are increasingly seeking European platforms. The fair’s inclusion of regional creators like Samira El‑Haddad highlights cross‑cultural exchange and offers new market opportunities for Middle Eastern talent.