ROME: Twenty-three cities will compete for the title of first Italian Capital of Contemporary Art, the new award launched this year by the Ministry of Culture, Italian news agency (ANSA) reported The call for applications, which closed on 30th June, saw municipalities send their applications and dossiers to the Ministry of Culture's Directorate General for Contemporary Creativity. The cities that submitted applications are Aielli (L'Aquila); Bolsena (Viterbo); Carrara; Cassano allo Ionio (Cosenza); Catanzaro; Fabriano (Ancona); Gallarate (Varese); Gibellina (Trapani); Lignano Sabbiadoro (Udine); Mantova; Moliterno (Potenza); Nichelino (Turin); Palazzolo Acreide (Syracuse); Palmi (Reggio Calabria); Peccioli (Pisa); Pescara; Quarto (Naples); Quattordio (Alessandria); Reggio Calabria; Rionero in Vulture (Potenza); Todi (Perugia); Venice; Vigevano (Pavia). By 30th October 2024, the jury will propose to the Minister of Culture the city it deems most suitable for the title of Italian Capital of Contemporary Art 2026. The winning city will receive a one million euro grant. Source : Emirates News Agency