Arte Laguna Prize 2026 – Venice, Italy

• 6 de noviembre de 2026
  Fecha del evento:
• 29 de noviembre de 2026
  Final del evento:

Qué esperar

Arte Laguna Prize 2026 – Venice, Italy is the Venice-based International Contemporary Art Contest that welcomes and exhibits emerging artists without restrictions, founded in Venice in 2006 by the MoCA Cultural Association. With more than two decades of experience, the prize has become recognized worldwide as a real springboard for artists’ careers, offering a huge network of collaborations around the world, cash prizes and exhibition in iconic spaces.

Visitors can expect a contemporary art exhibition of finalists that presents around one hundred twenty finalist artworks by as many artists from over fifty countries, selected from entries from over eighty countries. The exhibition displays painting, sculpture and installation, photographic art, video art and performance, land art, virtual art, digital art, design and environmental art, in a unique and fascinating place to exalt the works and artistic heritage of each edition.

The Arte Laguna Prize is not just a contest but a network of opportunities connecting artists to residencies, exhibitions and collaborations worldwide. Among prizes and benefits for artists are first prize of ten thousand euros, special prizes including art gallery prizes, art residencies, business for art collaborations, festival and exhibition prizes, and dedicated page on Arte Laguna World portal. The rigorous selection process has earned the prize significant recognition within art world, solidifying reputation as launchpad for emerging talents and vital platform for resources artists need to thrive.

Fechas de los eventos

Fechas oficiales: 6 – 29 NOV 2026

Marco de programación: Finalists Exhibition open everyday from 10 am to 6 pm at Arsenale Nord, Venice. Opening Night and Inauguration and Awarding Ceremony takes place on Friday 6 November 2026 at 5 pm with presenter Harry Baldissera. Press Preview scheduled on same day at 12 pm at Nappe dell’Arsenale Nord. The exhibition period includes both the 20th and 21st edition finalists in a combined comprehensive showcase. Collateral Exhibition also scheduled in same period in adjacent spaces.

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Lugar y lugar de exposición

Main Venue – Nappe of Arsenale Nord: Exhibition takes place at Arsenale Nord, Venice, in Tese 89, 90 and 91 for main finalists exhibition and Tesa 98 for collateral exhibition. The Nappe dell’Arsenale Nord is a magnificent and historic setting which was once largest naval factory in Europe, a unique and fascinating place to exalt works and artistic heritage.

Location Details: Promoted by Associazione Culturale MoCA (Modern and Contemporary Art), the venue is located at Nappe dell’Arsenale Nord, water-bus stop Bacini / Arsenale Nord. The Arsenale of Venice provides spectacular spaces with high vaulted ceilings, brick walls and industrial character that enhances contemporary artworks.

Historic Significance: The Arsenale Nord was heart of Venetian maritime power and today serves as cultural hub for contemporary art, hosting biennial events and international exhibitions. The exhibition guarantees artists absolute visibility in this iconic setting.

Diseño de la exposición: The finalists exhibition occupies large open spaces of Tese, allowing for presentation of large-scale sculptures, installations, video projections and performance areas alongside intimate areas for painting and photography.

Accessibility of Venue: Venue is accessible via vaporetto water-bus system, the main public transport of Venice, making arrival itself a scenic experience through lagoon.

Programa completo de exposiciones

Finalists Exhibition: Core program is exhibition of one hundred twenty finalists selected by international jury, displaying two hundred forty artworks by as many artists from over fifty countries in combined editions. Each edition presents diverse artistic disciplines including painting, sculpture and installation, photographic art, video art and performance, land art, virtual art and digital art.

Opening Night and Awarding Ceremony: Grand opening includes inauguration and awarding ceremony that annually attracts over four thousand visitors, with presentation of cash prizes, special prizes and jury awards. Ceremony is highlight with international partners attending.

Collateral Exhibition – New Horizons: Arte Laguna and MoCA Association present collective exhibition New Horizons, newest collateral event of Arte Laguna Prize. New set of contemporary artists presented in space of Tesa 98 thanks to network created in past years, reuniting international public of curators, gallerists and collectors in one place. Three new areas have been opened at full disposal for artists, foundations, galleries or similar artistic institutions that wish to be present in Venice.

Programa de rendimiento: Live performances by finalists in performance category staged during opening and throughout exhibition period, with dedicated stage and audience area.

Video Art Screenings: Continuous screening of video art finalists in dedicated dark rooms with projection equipment and seating.

Virtual Art Displays: Virtual art and digital art presented on iPad and digital screens, including Telecom Italy Future Centre collaborations in past editions.

Artistas y diseñadores destacados

Finalist Artists – 21st Edition: Official list of finalist artists includes international emerging talents selected from global open call. Examples include artists working in painting, sculpture, photography and new media from diverse backgrounds, reflecting prize’s openness without restrictions on age, country or theme.

Diversity of Disciplines: Featured artists work across painting, sculpture and installation, photographic art, video art and performance, land art, virtual and digital art, design and environmental art. This diversity reflects prize’s aim to showcase innovation and sustainability.

Under 25 Artists: Best under twenty five artists have dedicated presentation opportunities, with special venue at Istituto Romeno di Cultura e Ricerca Umanistica of Venice in famous Palazzo Correr in past editions, highlighting support for young talent.

Special Prize Winners: Forty three artists awarded special prizes ahead of main exhibition, including collaborations with companies such as Cial, Italian National Consortium for packaging, and other business for art partners, transforming award into concrete opportunities for professional growth.

Red global: Artists from over eighty countries participate, with past finalists including names that have gone on to exhibit internationally, participate in residencies from Venice to San Francisco, Mauritius to Shanghai and Kolkata.

Galerías y expositores

MoCA Cultural Association: Organizing body that promotes prize and exhibition, founded by Laura Gallon and Beatrice Susa, with long history of supporting contemporary art.

International Art Galleries: Through special prizes, finalists gain opportunities to exhibit in international art galleries worldwide, with partnerships including galleries from Europe, Asia and Americas. Gallery prizes provide exhibitions, representation opportunities and visibility.

Business for Art Partners: Collaborations with companies transform prize into bridge between creativity and productive world, with companies sponsoring awards and collaborating on artistic projects.

Art Residencies: Eleven art residencies worldwide offered as special prizes, from Venice to San Francisco, Mauritius to Shanghai and Kolkata, providing extraordinary opportunities to experience new cultures, create new works and participate in multicultural settings.

Festival and Exhibition Partners: Partnerships with festivals and exhibitions around world offer finalists additional exposure beyond Venice exhibition.

Salas y secciones de exposiciones

Tese 89, 90, 91 – Main Finalists Exhibition: Large interconnected halls housing main exhibition of finalists from 20th and 21st editions, organized by artistic discipline with clear signage for painting, sculpture, photography, video art and other categories.

Tesa 98 – Collateral Exhibition: Dedicated space for collective exhibition New Horizons, presenting additional contemporary artists from network created over years, allowing for parallel showcase alongside main prize.

Performance Area: Dedicated stage within main halls for live performances, with audience seating and technical support for sound and lighting.

Video Art Rooms: Darkened rooms equipped with projectors and screens for continuous screening of video art finalists, providing immersive viewing experience.

Virtual Art Stations: Stations with iPads and digital displays for virtual art and digital art category, allowing interactive viewing.

Jury Panels Display: Panels of jurors displayed with installation views, providing context on selection process and enhancing understanding of prize’s rigorous evaluation.

Charlas, talleres y eventos especiales

Jury Talks: Panels of jurors discuss selection criteria, trends in contemporary art and advice for emerging artists, with installation views courtesy of Arte Laguna Prize.

Charlas con artistas: Finalist artists present their work, creative process and inspiration during guided tours and informal talks.

Visitas guiadas: Guided tours offered on Sundays and on reservation via phone, providing deeper insight into artworks and themes, with expert guides explaining context of each piece.

Vista previa para la prensa: Press preview at 12 pm on opening day allows journalists, curators and critics to view exhibition before public opening, with opportunity for interviews with artists and organizers.

Talleres: Workshops on sustainable materials, digital art creation and professional development for artists, reflecting prize’s focus on environmentally conscious practices and encouraging exploration of sustainable processes.

Eventos para establecer contactos: International partners, gallerists, collectors and curators gather during opening week, creating networking opportunities for artists to connect with global creative community.

Catalogue Presentation: Presentation of official catalogue with introduction by founders Laura Gallon and Beatrice Susa, documenting finalists and winners.

Tipos de billetes

Entrada general: Based on previous editions, general admission for finalists exhibition has been free admission, with open access to public daily from 10 am to 6 pm. Exhibition open through final day with free entry, allowing broad public access.

Entradas para la visita guiada: Guided tours available on reservation, with phone booking required. Some tours free, others with small contribution to support cultural association activities.

Opening Night Access: Opening night and awarding ceremony open to public, with large attendance expected. Early arrival recommended due to popularity, with over four thousand visitors attending annually.

Collateral Exhibition Access: Collateral exhibition in Tesa 98 also accessible with same free admission, allowing visitors to see both main and collateral shows in single visit.

Eventos especiales: Some special workshops and talks may require registration via email info@artelagunaprize.com due to limited capacity.

Precios en USD – Basados en ediciones anteriores: General admission previously USD 0 free. Guided tours previously USD 0 to USD 11. Opening ceremony free. Catalogue previously USD 22 to USD 38. Prices converted from euro where applicable, with free visibility remaining core principle.

Acceso VIP y coleccionista

VIP Opening: Invited collectors, gallerists, curators and international partners receive VIP access to press preview at 12 pm and priority seating for awarding ceremony at 5 pm.

Vista previa para coleccionistas: Private tours for collectors and art professionals organized on request, with opportunity to meet artists and discuss acquisitions.

Jury and Advisory Council: Prestigious advisory council and group of international ambassadors attend, including curators such as Huang Yi who have served as academic committee members.

Gallery Network Access: Collectors gain access to special prizes gallery exhibitions and ability to connect with artists for future collaborations.

Business for Art Collectors: Company collectors and corporate art collections invited to view business for art collaborations, bridging productive world and creativity.

Residency Partners: Residency partners from Venice to San Francisco provide exclusive access for selected artists, enhancing collector interest in emerging talent.

Reglas del evento

Horario de apertura: Exhibition open daily from 10 am to 6 pm. Visitors must respect closing time and staff instructions.

Fotografía: Personal photography allowed for most artworks, but flash photography may be restricted for certain delicate works. Professional photography requires press accreditation via press@artelagunaprize.com.

Comportamiento: Respect artworks, do not touch sculptures or installations unless explicitly allowed. Maintain quiet atmosphere for video art screenings and performances.

Performance Etiquette: During live performances, maintain respectful silence, do not obstruct views and follow performer instructions.

Hijos: Exhibition suitable for all ages, but children must be accompanied by adults due to delicate installations and water proximity.

Seguridad: Bags may be checked at entrance. Large bags and backpacks may need to be stored in cloakroom.

Normas del recinto: Arsenale Nord is historic site, follow preservation rules, do not lean on walls, and respect industrial heritage.

Cómo llegar

Dirección: Nappe dell’Arsenale Nord, Venice, water-bus stop Bacini / Arsenale Nord, Tese 89, 90, 91 and Tesa 98.

By Vaporetto: Take vaporetto water-bus to Bacini / Arsenale Nord stop. Lines serving Arsenale include lines from San Marco, Fondamente Nove and other main stops. Vaporetto is main public transport of Venice.

From Venice Santa Lucia Train Station: Take vaporetto line to Bacini / Arsenale Nord, journey through Grand Canal and lagoon provides scenic approach.

From Marco Polo Airport: Take Alilaguna water-bus service or water taxi to Arsenale area, or land bus to Piazzale Roma then vaporetto to Bacini.

From Piazzale Roma: Piazzale Roma is main land gateway for cars and buses, then take vaporetto to Arsenale Nord.

Caminar: From San Marco area, walkable via Riva degli Schiavoni and Arsenale area, approximately twenty minutes, though vaporetto recommended for full experience.

Transporte público y aparcamiento

Vaporetto: ACTV vaporetto water-bus system is primary public transport, with frequent services to Bacini / Arsenale Nord stop. Tickets available at stations and via apps.

Alilaguna: Alilaguna airport water-bus connects Marco Polo Airport directly to Arsenale area.

Land Buses: ATVO and ACTV land buses connect mainland Mestre and airport to Piazzale Roma, then vaporetto connection.

Aparcamiento: No car access to historic Venice. Park at Tronchetto or Piazzale Roma parking garages, then continue via vaporetto. Parking fees previously USD 27 to USD 38 per day.

Water Taxis: Private water taxis available for direct transfer to Arsenale, though expensive, previously USD 110 to USD 220 depending on origin.

Transporte accesible: Vaporetto lines offer accessible boarding at main stops, but some historic stops may have limited accessibility due to steps and tides.

Zonas de alojamiento

Castello District – Near Arsenale: Staying in Castello district puts you closest to Arsenale Nord, with boutique hotels and B&Bs within walking distance. Prices previously USD 110 to USD 260 per night for double room.

San Marco – Central: Central San Marco area offers luxury hotels near main attractions and easy vaporetto access to Arsenale, prices previously USD 180 to USD 450 per night.

Cannaregio y Santa Croce: More affordable areas with good vaporetto connections, offering guesthouses and budget hotels previously USD 80 to USD 180 per night.

Lido and Lagoon Islands: Hotels on Lido offer beach and lagoon experience with vaporetto commute to Arsenale, prices previously USD 90 to USD 220 per night.

Mainland Mestre: Hotels in Mestre offer significantly lower prices, previously USD 60 to USD 130 per night, with bus and train connections to Venice and then vaporetto to Arsenale.

Reserva anticipada: Venice is busy during exhibition period with overlapping events, so early accommodation booking essential, especially for opening week.

Comida y refrescos

Arsenale Area Cafes: Cafes near Arsenale Nord offer coffee, pastries and light meals, with prices previously USD 4 to USD 12 for coffee and snack.

Venetian Cuisine: Local restaurants in Castello serve Venetian specialties such as sarde in saor, baccalà mantecato and cicchetti, with meals previously USD 22 to USD 45 per person.

Comida callejera: Cicchetti bars offer small plates ideal for quick breaks between exhibition viewing, previously USD 3 to USD 8 per plate.

Alta cocina: Upscale restaurants near San Marco and Riva degli Schiavoni offer lagoon views and gourmet cuisine, previously USD 55 to USD 110 per person.

Gondola Cafes: Cafes along canals provide scenic rest areas with coffee and gelato, previously USD 5 to USD 10.

Exhibition Cafe: Temporary cafe often set up within Arsenale complex during major exhibitions for visitors.

Accesibilidad

Accesibilidad del recinto: Nappe dell’Arsenale Nord has step-free access in main halls, but historic brick floors may be uneven. Accessible restrooms available.

Vaporetto Accessibility: Main vaporetto stops including Bacini / Arsenale Nord offer accessible boarding, but tide conditions may affect accessibility. Check ACTV accessibility information.

Visual Accessibility: Exhibition includes diverse media including visual art, video with captions and virtual art with interactive elements. Audio descriptions may be available for some works on request.

Hearing Accessibility: Video art may include subtitles. Performance events may have limited hearing assistance, check with organizers.

Apoyo: For specific accessibility needs, contact organizers via info@artelagunaprize.com or phone +39 347 707 7251 in advance to arrange support and guided tours.

Accesibilidad para la familia: Exhibition suitable for families, but some video art may contain mature content. Strollers allowed in main halls though crowded during opening.

Exposiciones imperdibles

Finalists Exhibition – Painting and Sculpture: Must-see section featuring top painting and sculpture finalists selected by international jury, showcasing innovation in traditional media with contemporary themes.

Photographic Art Section: Powerful photographic works from international artists exploring social, environmental and personal narratives through lens-based media.

Video Art and Performance: Immersive video installations and documentation of performance finalists, offering dynamic and time-based experiences.

Land Art and Environmental Art: Works engaging with environment, sustainability and land art traditions, including collaborations with companies like Thetis, reflecting prize’s encouragement of environmentally conscious practices.

Virtual and Digital Art: Cutting-edge virtual art and digital art presented on iPads and digital screens, showcasing future of artistic expression with technology.

Collateral Exhibition New Horizons: Additional contemporary artists in Tesa 98 presenting new horizons in contemporary art, reuniting international public of curators, gallerists and collectors.

Aspectos destacados de años anteriores

Combined Editions Showcase: Previous combined exhibition of 16th and 17th edition finalists displayed two hundred forty artworks by as many artists from over fifty countries, demonstrating scale and international reach after shift to biennial format from 2021.

Diverse Categories: Highlights included finalists across six disciplines – painting, sculpture and installation, photographic art, video art and performance, land art and virtual art – with special mention for virtual art set up on iPad.

Shanghai Collaboration: More than one hundred Arte Laguna Prize winning artists’ works exhibited in Shanghai, connecting international artists with Chinese audience and demonstrating global network created by prize.

Special Prize Impact: Forty three artists awarded special prizes ahead of exhibition, including residencies, gallery shows and business collaborations, highlighting prize’s role as bridge between creativity and productive world.

Opening Ceremony Success: Awards ceremony annually attracts over four thousand visitors, with international partners attending, creating vibrant celebration of contemporary art in historic Arsenale setting.

Entradas oficiales

Página web oficial: https://artelagunaprize.com/

Contacto: Phone +39 347 707 7251, Email info@artelagunaprize.com, Press press@artelagunaprize.com

Lugar: Arsenale Nord, Venice, Nappe dell’Arsenale Nord, water-bus stop Bacini / Arsenale Nord, Tese 89, 90, 91 and Tesa 98 for collateral.

Entradas: Based on previous editions, general admission free, opening night free, guided tours on reservation. Catalogue available for purchase. For latest information on tickets and registration for collateral exhibition, contact info@artelagunaprize.com or visit https://artelagunaprize.com/

Applications: For artists wishing to participate in future editions, applications open via official website with deadline typically in summer, with cash prize of ten thousand euros for first prize and exhibition in Venice.

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