From September 25 to 28, the ninth edition becomes the Contemporary Mediterranean Fair, with top Italian and international names
From September 25 to 28, 2025, Catanzaro Exhibition Center hosts the ninth edition of Materia, now transformed into the Contemporary Mediterranean Fair. Over 5,500 sqm will showcase brands, designers, and artisans interpreting the Mediterranean as a space of creativity and innovation.
The event is curated by Officine AD, founded by architects Domenico Garofalo and Giuseppe Anania, with the support of Calabria Region. Matteo Bonacci leads the creative direction, while Natalia Carere curates product selection and exhibition design.
Design protagonists
Materia 2025 presents an outstanding roster of talents, including:
- Giuseppe Arezzi, Sicilian designer featured in CNAP and Vitra Design Museum collections.
- Antonio Aricò, poetic creator collaborating with Seletti and Dolce&Gabbana.
- Paolo Casicci, journalist, curator, and design educator.
- Emiliana Martinelli, president and art director of Martinelli Luce.
- Gerardo Sacco, master goldsmith and international ambassador of Made in Italy.
- Massimo Sirelli, pop artist known for his “Adoptable Robots”.
Mediterranean between tradition and innovation
The 2025 program includes talks, workshops, exhibitions, and immersive experiences. The CALL “Mediterranean between Tradition and Innovation” has attracted numerous applications from designers, artisans, and brands.
Research prizes include:
- Stirparo Award (€1,000)
- Splaash Award (€500)
- Special mention dedicated to architect Sergio Mirante.
The fair blends design, music, food, and multisensory activities for professionals, young talents, and design lovers.
A new venue, a new identity
For the first time, Materia takes place at the Catanzaro Exhibition Center, a symbolic venue of rebirth for the city and Southern Italy. A modern and dynamic stage that becomes a hub for meeting, research, and new visions.
Materia 2025 positions the Mediterranean as an international reference point for contemporary design.
