LEVANTE PRIZE 2026 – Second Edition
The call for the second edition of the Levante Prize is now open. This international competition is launched by the Academy of Fine Arts of Lecce and promoted in collaboration with a network of national and international partners, including MADE and several foreign academic institutions.
The initiative is part of the PNRR framework (Mission 4 – Education and Research) and aims to foster dialogue among students and artists from different cultural backgrounds, encouraging the exchange of practices, languages, and perspectives. The prize also seeks to stimulate reflection on the relationship between traditional and digital techniques in contemporary visual arts.
Eligibility
The call is open to students enrolled in Academies of Fine Arts and publicly recognized AFAM institutions, both in Italy and abroad.
Application guidelines
Each participant may submit one artwork only, created using traditional or digital techniques (drawing, painting, printmaking, engraving, digital art, mixed media).
The artwork must be submitted in digital format (scanned or photographed file), accompanied by:
- short artist biography
- artwork caption
- brief description of the work
- application form required by the call
For digital works, files must be submitted in TIFF format, 300 dpi, maximum A2 size. Selected works made with traditional techniques must be sent in original format (maximum size 50x70 cm).
Selection and exhibition
A committee appointed by the Academy of Fine Arts of Lecce will select 25 works in total, which will be exhibited at the Academy during the Levante Prize 2026 exhibition. All selected participants will receive a certificate of participation.
Awards
The total prize fund is €3,500, divided into several categories.
Prizes are awarded to both Italian and international students, including a special Art and Environment Award dedicated to eco-friendly practices and content. The overall winner will receive a €1,000 prize.
Deadlines
- Application deadline: 27 April 2026, 2:00 PM
- Results announcement: 30 April 2026
- Delivery of selected original works: by 7 May 2026
- Exhibition and awards ceremony: 21 May 2026 (exhibition open until 31 May)
For submission procedures, technical specifications, and required documentation, please refer to the full call for applications.
