The conference scheduled for Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at the Asilo Ciani , in the heart of Lugano , will focus on the topic of equal opportunities in the arts and culture sector . The initiative, entitled "What Kind of Culture? ", aims to provide a forum for discussion between professionals, institutions, and associations active in the cultural sector.
The stated goal is to foster a more equitable and representative system, capable of ensuring equal opportunities in access to resources, spaces, and visibility. This increasingly central topic in public debate is addressed through a multidisciplinary approach that combines analysis, testimonies, and concrete practices.
Promoters and supporters of the initiative
The conference is sponsored by the Cultural Observatory of the Canton of Ticino, the Department of Education, Culture, and Sport, and the Equal Opportunities Service of the State Chancellery. Supporters of the initiative include Pro Helvetia and the Federal Aid for the Italian Language and Culture, with the patronage of the City of Lugano.
This is an initial event that aims to build a shared path over time, capable of having a concrete impact on cultural practices and policies in the sector.
Institutional openness and context analysis
The meeting will open in the early afternoon with institutional greetings from State Councilor Marina Carobbio Guscetti , director of the DECS, and City Councilor Raoul Ghisletta . This will be followed by an introductory speech on the current state of gender equality in the cultural sector.
The analysis will be presented by Rachele Santoro , delegate for equal opportunities, and Roland Hochstrasser , head of the Office for Analysis and Digital Cultural Heritage. Their contributions will offer an updated interpretation of the current dynamics, identifying critical issues and potential areas for improvement.
Best practices and tools for inclusion
The program will then kick off with an initial seminar session dedicated to the experiences of professional associations. Among those participating are SWAN – Swiss Women's Audiovisual Network, Helvetiarockt, and the Swiss Society of Women Visual Artists.
A second session will explore operational tools and interdisciplinary approaches. Projects and initiatives such as Le Carnet rose will be presented, along with the contribution of Pro Helvetia, which is committed to developing inclusive cultural policies.
The aim is to identify replicable models and effective strategies to strengthen equal opportunities in a sector often marked by structural imbalances.
Culture and artistic languages: a final performance
Alongside moments of reflection, the conference also includes a space dedicated to the artistic dimension. During the afternoon, the danced stage reading È già la fine del mondo, Yamanba , will be performed, with the participation of Didí Garbaccio Bogin, Cecilia Francesca Croce, and Elisabeth Sassi.
The event will conclude with a social gathering, designed to foster direct exchange between participants and strengthen professional networking.
An exhibition space to broaden the dialogue
Throughout the day, an exhibition space will be set up, showcasing various cultural institutions from Switzerland and Ticino. This will provide a further opportunity to connect with industry professionals, fostering dialogue and the sharing of experiences.
Equal opportunities in culture: a path forward
With this initiative, the Canton of Ticino intends to initiate a process of awareness-raising and change, with the goal of making equal opportunities a structural element of the cultural system. Networking, disseminating best practices, and focusing on inclusive policies are the cornerstones of a process destined to develop over time.
Participation is free but online registration is required.
