by InTrieste
Gorizia and Nova Gorica, two cities straddling the Italian-Slovenian border, are gearing up for their historic designation as the joint European Capital of Culture in 2025. Under the banner of “GO!2025,” a series of cross-border cultural events are set to celebrate the unity and shared heritage of these once-divided communities. To mark the occasion, acclaimed Italian artist Lorenzo Mattotti has created a striking manifesto embodying the event’s themes of connection and cultural exchange, unveiled today during a press conference in Udine.
A Bridge Between Cultures
The manifesto, designed by Mattotti, features an evocative image of an Italian-Slovenian couple dancing atop a bridge over the Isonzo River, which links the two cities. Enveloped in shades of green, the image symbolizes the harmony between nature, music, and art, highlighting the shared cultural space that transcends physical borders. Mattotti, renowned for his work in graphic design and illustration, aimed to encapsulate the essence of GO!2025’s mission: the dissolution of barriers—linguistic, physical, and political—and the celebration of common European values.
“The image represents two people, two cultures, and two worlds coming together,” Mattotti said in a statement. “In their dance, we find the spirit of unity, belonging, and the beauty of a shared journey.”
GO!2025’s programming will reflect this ethos, with the official events stretching beyond Gorizia and Nova Gorica to encompass the entire Friuli Venezia Giulia region, creating what organizers are calling a “borderless” festival of culture.
GO!2025&Friends: A Borderless Cultural Experience
Complementing the main events of GO!2025, the parallel project “GO!2025&Friends” promises to extend the festivities to even more locations across the region with an ambitious lineup of exhibitions, concerts, and artistic initiatives. Designed to amplify the cultural resonance of the European Capital of Culture designation, the project aims to attract international artists and visitors to the region, enriching the experience for locals and tourists alike.
Among the highlights of the GO!2025&Friends schedule is a highly anticipated exhibition by legendary American photographer Steve McCurry, best known for his iconic image of the Afghan girl Sharbat Gula, whose piercing green eyes captivated the world from the cover of National Geographic. Starting November 14, 2024, the Salone degli Incanti in Trieste will showcase over 150 of McCurry’s works, including previously unpublished photographs. The exhibition, titled McCurry: Views on the World, offers a deeply emotional journey into the diverse cultures and experiences McCurry has documented over his decades-long career.
“It’s an intimate exploration of humanity,” said Biba Giacchetti, curator of the exhibit. “Each photograph serves as a window into distant worlds, immersing the viewer in a complex, emotional journey that spans different countries and historical periods.”
The program also includes a one-night-only performance by Alanis Morissette, the alternative rock icon whose 1995 album Jagged Little Pill became a cultural phenomenon. On June 22, 2025, Morissette will take the stage at Villa Manin in Codroipo, offering her only Italian performance of her world tour. The concert will celebrate the 30th anniversary of her landmark album, with Morissette performing hits like “Ironic” and “You Oughta Know,” while also showcasing her musical evolution.
A Cultural Renaissance for Two Cities
The designation of Gorizia and Nova Gorica as the European Capital of Culture is a monumental first. The initiative marks the first time two cities from different countries have jointly held the title, symbolizing the power of collaboration across national borders. The partnership is especially poignant given the shared history of division and reconciliation between Italy and Slovenia, two nations once separated by the infamous Iron Curtain.
“This project is a testament to the triumph of unity over division,” said a GO!2025 spokesperson. “We’re building a cultural bridge that reflects our shared history and hopes for a more connected future.”
In addition to Mattotti’s manifesto and the GO!2025&Friends program, visitors can expect a wide array of exhibitions and performances throughout 2025. Among these is a special show at Palazzo Attems Petzenstein in Gorizia dedicated to Andy Warhol. Titled Andy Warhol: Beyond Borders, the exhibition will offer a multidisciplinary exploration of Warhol’s influence on fashion, music, and film, further underscoring the year’s theme of transcending boundaries.
As GO!2025 prepares to launch on February 8, 2025, with an inaugural ceremony symbolizing the shared cultural heritage of Italy and Slovenia, the region is poised to become a beacon of artistic collaboration and unity.
For more information on GO!2025 and the full schedule of events, visit www.go2025.eu.
