Special guests at this edition are the volcanoes of Iceland and Martinique, in dialogue with the Mediterranean.
Volcanic Attitude 2026 also explores the ethical dimension that drives artists and scientists in their research.
The programme explores the “vibrant” landscapes of volcanoes through artistic visions and performances, scientific talks, volcano climbs, thermal baths, social gatherings and collective rituals, all aimed at discovering the vibrations that travel through seas, submerged volcanoes, lava, fumaroles and hot springs.
Volcanic Attitude 2026 – Vibrant Elements is organised and curated by Helga Franza, Susanna Ravelli and Giulia Restifo. It is produced by the Arthur Cravan Foundation, Centro Itard Lombardia and That’s Contemporary.
Featured guests at Volcanic Attitude 2026
- Alba Balmaseda, Kathrin Doppler & Ines Lechleitner – Artistic research group
- Bjarki Bragason – Artist
- Nicola Capone, Simona Da Pozzo & Paola Mautone – Philosopher, artist & agronomist
- Marco Casagrande & Nicolò Giorgini / Baia – Performing arts duo
- Stefano Graziani – Photographer
- Anna Líndal – Artist
- Rachele Maistrello – Artist
- Alessandro Manfrin – Artist
- Melina Mulas – Photographer
- Magnús Pálsson – Artist; curated by An Paenhuysen; artist assistant Pétur Magnússon
- Paolo Piattelli – Physicist, INFN
- Massimo Ricciardo – Artist
- Carlo Andrea Rozzi – Physicist, CNR
- Vulcani Sacri – research group: Laura Chatenay-Rivauday & Giuseppe Schillaci; curated by Gaetano la Rosa.
FESTIVAL PROGRAMME
Friday 25 September – Naples
The fifth edition of Volcanic Attitude opens on Friday 25 September in Naples with an engaging talk, during which experts will discuss the importance of soil and its management. Afterwards, participants will board the M/N Laurana ferry bound for Vulcano. The festival will continue on board the ferry, where participants will watch performances by the guest artists.
Naples
4 PM – Giardino dei Capezzoli, Largo Proprio d’Arianello
Meeting point for participants.
Opening Talk: “Vibrant Soils”
With agronomist Paola Mautone, artist Simona Da Pozzo and philosopher Nicola Capone, in dialogue with artist and researcher Anna Líndal and artist Bjarki Bragason.
Installations
By Bjarki Bragason & Simona Da Pozzo.
6:30 PM – Porto Calata di Massa, Naples
Boarding the M/N Laurana – SIREMAR ferry.
During the sailing to the Aeolian Islands
Welcome aboard
Intimate performance and exchange of letters by artist Rachele Maistrello.
10 PM – Performance: “Baia”
By dancers and choreographers Marco Casagrande & Nicolò Giorgini.
Saturday 26 September – Navigation & Vulcano
A day immersed in art and science, featuring talks exploring the theme of the volcano as a place of encounter and reflection, and a convivial evening to meet the researchers and artists taking centre stage at Volcanic Attitude 2026 – Vibrant Elements.
Laurana Ferry
6:30 AM
Sunrise over Stromboli from the ship.
9 AM
Breakfast with the Festival’s guests.
Talk: Introduction to the research art project “Bathing Vulcano”
With Alba Balmaseda, Kathrine Doppler & Ines Lechleitner.
Talk: Introduction to the project “km3-scale Neutrino Telescope (KM3NeT)”
With Paolo Piattelli, Physicist INFN.
12:30 PM
Arrival on Vulcano & accommodation.
Vulcano Island
6:30 PM – Terrace Les Sables Noirs, Porto di Ponente
Happy hour at sunset and dinner.
Opening Night Vibrant Element
Presentation of the Volcanic Attitude 2026 guests.
Presentation of the European project “Shaken Grounds. Art as Seismography”, in collaboration with the Museum of Contemporary Art in Zagreb (MSU), the University of Applied Arts Vienna, the Iceland University of the Arts and Volcanic Attitude.
9 PM
Dinner courtesy of the Festival & Hotel Les Sables Noirs.
10 PM – Joint interview
With artist Alessandro Manfrin & Paolo Piattelli, Physicist INFN.
Sunday 27 September – Vulcano Island
Sunday 27 September will be filled with an in-depth exploration of Vulcano, featuring installations, walks and talks designed to help us connect with nature and reflect on the importance of environmental conservation and the preservation of traditions.
Vulcano – Morning
Acque Calde beach
Collective Performance – “Bathing Vulcano”
With the artistic research group formed by Alba Balmaseda, Kathrine Doppler & Ines Lechleitner.
Installation
By artist Bjarki Bragason.
Walk
With artist Massimo Ricciardo and naturalist Pietro Lo Cascio.
Vulcano – Afternoon
Hike to La Fossa Crater, Vulcano
Performative Talk
With artist Anna Líndal and Carlo Andrea Rozzi, Physicist CNR.
“Reflections on the scientist’s profession in times of war”
Exploration
With photographer Stefano Graziani.
Evening
Participatory action “Rifugi minerali”
With artist Rachele Maistrello.
Collective cooking with ancient methods
With artist Massimo Ricciardo.
Monday 28 September – Vulcano & Stromboli Islands
A full day’s boat trip dedicated to discovering the secrets of Vulcano and Stromboli.
Vulcano → Stromboli
8:40 AM – Boarding for Stromboli
Mini-Mob-Shop & Screening
Workshop on the partial reenactment of “non-voice choir” Cross (1996/2013) by Magnús Pálsson & screening with curator An Paenhuysen, in collaboration with Pétur Magnússon.
Action
Magnús Pálsson, Völundarhús (Project for a Volcanic Labyrinth, 1980).
During boat trip to Ginostra
Presentation of “Vulcani Sacri”
With Giuseppe Schillaci & Laura Chatenay-Rivauday.
Ginostra
Action
Partial reenactment of “non-voice choir” Cross (1996/2013) by Magnús Pálsson.
Travelling workshop
With photographer Melina Mulas: “Melina Mulas and her Aeolian Islands”.
8 PM – Boarding to Naples
During the sailing to Naples
Video installations
With artist Alessandro Manfrin.
Tuesday 29 September
8 AM – Arrival at the Port of Naples
End of the festival.
The programme is currently being finalised, and times and venues are subject to change.
For information:
Helga Franza: 333 534 6000
Susanna Ravelli: 348 445 3613
Giulia Restifo: 347 252 6151
Tel.: 0372 1664255
E-mail: festival@volcanicattitude.org
Website: www.volcanicattitude.org
Organisers and Partners
Volcanic Attitude 2026 is organised by: Fondazione Arthur Cravan, Centro Itard Lombardia and That’s Contemporary.
The festival is co-funded by the European Union and includes patronage, main partners, institutional partners, cultural partners, and technical & territorial partners. The Museum of Contemporary Art Zagreb (MSU) is listed among the institutional partners.
Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
