The scientific committee of the “A Life for Art” award unanimously selected Umberto Vattani as the 2026 laureate. The award will be presented on 12 September 2026 at 11:00 at the Teatro degli Impavidi in Sarzana, during the Summer School organized by the association Startè.
The recognition highlights Vattani’s use of contemporary art as an instrument of cultural diplomacy. He will receive a sculpture by artist Giuliano Tomaino.
- Date: 12 September 2026
- Time: 11:00
- Venue: Teatro degli Impavidi, Sarzana
- Presented work: sculpture by Giuliano Tomaino
- Reason: sustained commitment to contemporary art and international cultural promotion
Brief background: born in Skopje in 1938, Vattani had a long diplomatic career. He served as ambassador to Germany, Italy’s permanent representative to the European Union, and twice as Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He also led ICE and coordinated initiatives including Italy’s participation at Expo Shanghai 2010.
Among his notable initiatives is the establishment in 1999 of the Farnesina’s Italian Contemporary Art Collection, aimed at placing Italian works within national and international diplomatic spaces. Several works originating from that effort are now installed in public sites abroad, increasing visibility for Italian artists.
Vattani has also advanced cultural ties with Japan—working on projects such as “Italy in Japan 2001–2002″—and currently chairs the Italy–Japan Foundation and the Venice International University. Recently he has promoted local cultural planning, including a proposal for a contemporary arts district in northern Rome.
Where it is
Location: Via Mazzini, 19038 Sarzana SP, Italia
Coordinates: 44.1115852, 9.9628776