Two independent cultural venues in Ticino close on the same day

On 30 September 2026, two independent cultural venues in Ticino announced that they were closing: Spazio L'Ove in Viganello and Casa Azul in Gordola.¹ For musicians, this means a loss of workspace, writes the professional association Sonart: 'Per musiciste e musicisti una sala prove, una residenza o un palco sono posti di lavoro. Quando chiudono, il costo ricade anche su di noi.'¹ In short: a rehearsal room, a residency or a stage are workplaces, and when they close, musicians share the cost.

Casa Azul has to leave its premises because the contract for the building ended on 30 September and will not be renewed, Ticinonline reports.² According to the association behind it, Verzasca Foto, the venue offered around 50 activities in its 2025–2026 programme, with an estimated 2,000 visits at least.² Spazio L'Ove, housed since 2021 in a privately owned former workers' canteen, is losing its home because of a building project that includes demolition, according to Sonart.¹ Both venues hosted Sonart workshops and networking events.¹

In a survey on 'musiche attuali' that Sonart developed with the City of Lugano, almost nine in ten respondents said it was difficult to find a space to create and produce music, according to the association.¹

There is money for new spaces, but it flows through the municipalities. Since 7 September, according to Ticinonews, a cantonal call for applications for 2027–2030 has been open: municipalities that provide spaces for independent culture on favourable terms or help cover rent receive up to 50 per cent of the costs from the Swisslos fund, up to a maximum of CHF 30,000 a year.³ The deadline is 1 December. Around a dozen municipalities have shown possible interest.³ Nobody knows which ones, Sonart notes. If a municipality does not apply, the money stays where it is.¹

In Lugano, according to Sonart, the scene is still waiting for the city executive to submit a proposal to the city council; in January 2026 there was talk of around CHF 300,000 to refurbish several buildings.¹ In 2028 the Città della Musica opens in Besso as the new home of the Conservatory. Sonart is a partner in the project and stresses that it does not solve the independent scene's space problem.¹

What you can do now: since June, the 'Borsa degli spazi culturali' has been in its pilot phase. It is an online platform that connects people offering spaces with people looking for places for rehearsals, studios or performances.³ If you have an idea for a concert series or a project at the Città della Musica, Sonart offers to put you in touch.¹ And if your municipality has spaces: the deadline for the cantonal call is 1 December 2026.³