From October 1st to 3rd, Turin will host the 2026 Proximity Biennial, three days dedicated to the Practices of Deep Democracy.
On Friday, October 2nd, at 9:00 a.m., at Cecchi Point, I will have the pleasure of introducing the panel on digital proximity, starting with a crucial question: digital, from a democratic utopia, risks turning into a tool of exclusion and social control. How can we make the digital transition a factor of social and democratic change, capable of supporting proximity, participation, and the empowerment of people?
Deep democracy means going beyond simple consultation: creating the conditions for all people, including those whose voices are most likely marginalized, to participate, be heard, and influence decisions that affect communities.
From this perspective, social and digital cannot proceed on separate tracks. Technologies must strengthen relationships, make local needs and resources visible, expand opportunities for participation, and support communities’ capacity to act. For this to happen, however, they must be accessible, inclusive, and designed with people at the center.
This dialogue between territories and digital tools will also accompany the Biennale: FirstLife, the Territories and Digital Communities Group of the Department of Computer Science at the University of Turin, has mapped the participating organizations and some interesting stories of proximity linked to the places hosting this edition. This map not only helps you orient yourself, but also helps you discover relationships, experiences, and practices that bring proximity to life.
Participation is free. I look forward to seeing you in Turin!
