Ancona has been officially designated as the Italian Capital of Culture for 2028, as announced by Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli. The city won against strong competition from nine other finalists, including notable cities like Catania and Tarquinia. The winning dossier titled 'Ancona. This now,' inspired by the local poet Francesco Scarabicchi, was presented earlier in 2023, highlighting Ancona’s rich cultural vision and initiatives.

Minister Giuli expressed his congratulations to Ancona for the quality of its project and recognized the independent jury's sovereign decision in selecting the winner. He also thanked all the finalist cities for their impressive cultural vitality and contributions, emphasizing that the competition showcased a variety of innovative projects aimed at promoting cultural heritage across Italy. The recognition not only acknowledges Ancona's potential but also aims to foster growth in cultural tourism and local engagement.

Being named the Capital of Culture is expected to bring significant benefits to Ancona, including increased visibility on a national scale and potential economic boosts through tourism. Local authorities and cultural organizations will likely leverage this opportunity to enhance cultural offerings and community involvement, creating a lasting impact that extends beyond 2028. This recognition underlines the importance of culture as a key driver for sustainable development in cities across Italy.