Rita Orlando

An architect with extensive experience in large-scale projects with strong social impact, both in Italy and abroad, she has been working on urban and social regeneration initiatives since 2003. Since 2014, she has been part of the Matera European Capital of Culture 2019 team, where she oversaw international social innovation projects and the artistic residency program. In this role, she was responsible for the Open Design School, a participatory and innovative design lab, and for the I-Dea project, dedicated to reinterpreting archives through contemporary art. She also contributed to shaping the capacity-building program and cultural agenda, and curated the conversion of the Cava del Sole into a venue for large-scale performing arts events. She is currently Cultural Manager at the Matera Basilicata 2019 Foundation, where she works on artistic residencies, co-creation processes, and the design and management of innovative projects at both national and European level, including the strategic projects Fantastico Medioevo and Matera Capitale Mediterranea della Cultura e del Dialogo 2026.