11th edition of the 'Premio Viola'

Valdidentro is hosting the 11th edition of the prestigious Ferriere Arte International Contemporary Art Award, better known as the “Premio Viola”. The initiative, promoted by the Pro Loco and the Municipality of Valdidentro, is an important opportunity to promote contemporary art and offer artists a space for expression, exchange and visibility in a setting that brings together creativity, culture and the local area.

The Premio Viola is open to artists of all nationalities, with no age limit, with the aim of promoting artistic research, quality and originality in the works submitted.

For the 2026 edition, it will be possible to take part with one work on a free theme and one work dedicated to the theme “S. Francesco: the Canticle of the Creatures, universal language”, an invitation to reflect on the relationship between humankind, nature, spirituality and beauty through the language of art.

Painting works created using any technique and medium are accepted, including oil, acrylic, tempera, watercolor, paint, enamel, spray and ink. Graphic works created using traditional or similar techniques are also accepted, such as graphite, charcoal, pen, ink, intaglio, woodcut, linocut, screen printing and lithography.

The maximum permitted dimensions, including any element, are 100 x 100 cm. A polyptych is also considered a single work and must therefore comply with the same overall dimensions.

An opportunity for growth and visibility

The Premio Viola offers artists the chance to exhibit their works in a meaningful cultural setting and to engage in dialogue with the public, the jury and the local area.

The event continues to establish itself as an important occasion for Valdidentro, which through this initiative supports and promotes contemporary art, giving space to new languages, sensibilities and creative paths.

The 11th edition of the Premio Viola will therefore be an opportunity to discover new talents, enhance artistic expression and experience a high-level cultural event.

Jury and selection

The submitted works will be evaluated by a panel of experts, who will select the pieces based on criteria of research, quality and originality.

The jury’s decisions will be final and unappealable, ensuring a serious and professional selection process.

Exhibition and awards

The works will be exhibited at the Ski Stadium in Valdidentro from Friday 4 September to Saturday 12 September 2026.

The awards ceremony will take place on Saturday 12 September 2026 at 18:00.

The following awards will be granted:

• 1st Premio Viola International Contemporary Art Award
• 2nd Premio Viola International Contemporary Art Award
• 3rd Premio Viola International Contemporary Art Award
• Award “S. Francesco: the Canticle of the Creatures, universal language”

The works of the winning artists will remain the exclusive property of the artists. The organization also reserves the right to increase the number of awards.

How to participate

Entries are open until 31 August 2026.

The works must be delivered or sent to Pro Loco di Valdidentro, Piazza IV Novembre 1 – Isolaccia, Valdidentro (SO), starting from 10 July 2026 and no later than 31 August 2026.

A participation fee of 20 euro is required, to be paid upon delivery of the work.

Each work must be suitably fitted with hanging hardware for display and accompanied by a form including the artist’s first and last name, title of the work, year, technique, dimensions and a brief curriculum vitae of the artist, preferably in biographical form, with a maximum length of 500 characters.

For underage artists, authorization signed by a parent or guardian is mandatory.

Participation implies full acceptance of the regulations.

The full regulations, application form and all technical information are available in the official call for entries.