It will be dedicated to the theme of equal opportunities in the artistic and cultural sector the conference scheduled for Tuesday 5 May 2026 atCiani Asylum, In the heart of LuganoThe initiative, entitled What kind of culture?, aims to be a moment of discussion between professionals, institutions, and associations active in the cultural scene.
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 issue, increasingly central to public debate, is addressed through a multidisciplinary approach which 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, among others, Pro Helvetia and Federal Aid for the Italian Language and Culture, under the patronage of the City of Lugano.
It is a first date which 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 proceedings will open in the early afternoon with institutional greetings from the State Councilor Marina Carobbio Shells, director of the DECS, and of the Municipal Raoul GhislettaThis will be followed by an introductory speech on the current state of gender equality in the cultural sector.
The analysis will be proposed by Rachele Santoro, delegate for equal opportunities, and Roland Hochstrasser, head of the Office for Analysis and Digital Cultural Heritage. Their contribution will offer an updated understanding 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 following will be presented: scenic dance reading It's already the end of the world, YamanbaWith 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 it is online registration required.
