The 2024 edition was record-breaking: over 160 events including concerts, talks, special projects, music contests, recitals, workshops, street performances, and exhibitions, drawing more than 115,000 visitors in just five days. It was the first edition curated by singer-songwriter Grazia Di Michele, who has been confirmed by Mayor Luca Salvetti to lead the upcoming 40th edition as well.

Following the 2024 theme, “Music from the World,” this year’s edition—running from Wednesday, July 30 to Sunday, August 3—will revolve around a new concept: CREATIVA – What Women Tell Us, a tribute to Fiorella Mannoia’s iconic song “Quello che le donne non dicono.” At the heart of this edition will be female creativity, celebrated in all its forms: a driving force behind music and dance, literature and visual arts, theater, craftsmanship, and every aspect of artistic and professional life. This vision, developed by the artistic director in agreement with the mayor, will once again be brought to life by Fondazione LEM.

The 40th-anniversary edition will feature international artists and invite both local and national creatives to submit proposals aligned with the theme, starting February 6 via the Effetto Venezia website. On that same day, the artistic director will meet with Livorno’s creative sectors to present the vision and ensure synergy between projects and theme. The schedule includes: 2:00 PM – dance; 4:00 PM – singing; 6:00 PM – theater.

Also on February 6, famed dancer Raffaele Paganini will be in Livorno to choreograph the festival’s opening show. He will also lead a masterclass for local dance teachers and three open-level lessons for students at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels.

Mayor Luca Salvetti explains:
“Effetto Venezia turns 40, and from the very start we knew we wanted to confirm Grazia Di Michele as artistic director and to celebrate the female world—not only through participation, but as a rich well of talent and inspiration. Grazia chose the main title Creativa, and I added the subtitle What Women Tell Us, inspired by Mannoia’s well-known song.”

Grazia Di Michele shares:
“Creative people have a mission: to expand our minds, our emotional world, and express themselves through their art. Effetto Venezia 2025 will be a fully immersive female-centric edition, open to proposals even from male artists—as long as the guiding theme remains. Many artists, especially women from Livorno and the surrounding region, will be among the stars of the five-day event. Coming back to Livorno feels like returning to a second home, and I’m grateful to work with the highly professional Fondazione LEM team.”

Cultural Councillor Angela Rafanelli adds:
“For us Livornesi, Effetto Venezia is a must-see event. It’s meaningful to share it with national figures who feel at home here and draw inspiration from our city. I thank Grazia Di Michele—her return shows a strong and lasting bond. My message to local creatives is: don’t wait for a call—this is your invitation to be part of something special.”

Tourism and Commerce Councillor Rocco Garufo comments:
“We’re also working to involve the local business and trade communities to ensure the 40th edition lives up to its legacy. Effetto Venezia has become a powerful brand that showcases Livorno’s beauty far beyond our city limits, helping attract tourism.”

Finally, Adriano Tramonti from Fondazione LEM shares a preview:
“As organizers, we’re currently working behind the scenes. As we move forward, we’ll offer more concrete logistical solutions to support the artistic vision. One idea is a mobile stage in Piazza del Luogo Pio, designed specifically for dance performances and used during open classes. This would complement the main stage for international acts. Other locations will mirror those from previous years.”