A new responsibility to strengthen the role of Italian festivals across Europe

We are pleased to share that Michele Punzi, President of the Fondazione Paolo Grassi, has been appointed to the Board of Italiafestival, the association that brings together some of the most important Italian festivals in the fields of music, theatre, literature, and performing arts.

This appointment is both a symbolic and strategic recognition for our Festival, a founding member of Italiafestival thanks to the vision of Franco Punzi, the association’s first national president.

In November 2024, to mark the 50th anniversary of the Festival della Valle d’Itria, the Foundation organized the international conference “The Role and Function of Festivals in the 21st Century” in Martina Franca, in collaboration with Italiafestival and the European Festival Association (EFA), highlighting the importance of festivals as drivers of cultural innovation and social and economic development.

“I take on this role with great enthusiasm and a strong sense of responsibility,” commented Michele Punzi. “It is a recognition of the work carried out by everyone involved in making our Festival happen. I believe that, especially today, cultural professionals must support one another rather than compete. That’s why the role of a network like Italiafestival is more vital than ever.”

Founded in 1987 within AGIS (Italian General Association for Performing Arts), Italiafestival represents around 60 festivals and networks across various artistic disciplines. It plays an active role in the EFA, the most important international network of festivals based in Brussels, and works to support national festivals through strategies of fundraising and internationalization.

Sustainability is a growing focus: 18 member festivals have achieved Ecoevent certification, including the upcoming 51st Festival della Valle d’Itria, scheduled from 18 July to 3 August 2025, themed “War and Peace” under the artistic direction of composer Silvia Colasanti.

This marks another important step forward in our Festival’s journey.