As an alternative to the traditional program of conferences, Artissima 15 presented “L’école de Stéphanie” (coordinated by Stéphanie Moisdon): a genuine (con)temporary art school with lectures, conversations, presentations of projects and performances in a space specially designed by the artist Pierre Joseph.

In 2008 Artissima launched Italian Wave, a major national competition for young Italian artists under 35 not yet represented by commercial galleries in Italy or abroad.

For Torino World Design Capital, the fair also opened a new parallel section, Artissima Design, with the exhibition Paolo Mussat Sartor. Places of art and artists, 1968-2008. Over 300 photographs shown in the spaces of Palazzo Cavour offered unique insights on an extraordinary period, that of the years of Arte Povera in Torino.

Continuation of the initiatives Artissima Fumetto, Cinema, Volume.