The Arte Laguna Prize, established in Venice in 2006 by the MoCA Association, has become a pivotal platform for emerging artists worldwide. Its mission is to celebrate and promote contemporary art across diverse disciplines, offering them opportunities to showcase their work and advance their careers.
In 2024, the Prize marked its 18th and 19th editions, culminating in a joint exhibition held from November 17 to December 8 at the Arsenale Nord in Venice. This historic venue hosted 240 artists, offering a comprehensive view of the current landscape of international contemporary art.
The Arte Laguna Prize embraces a wide array of artistic categories, reflecting the dynamic nature of contemporary art. These categories include painting, sculpture and installation, photographic art, video art and short films, performance and acting, virtual and digital art, digital graphics and cartoons, land art, urban art and street art, and art design. This inclusive approach ensures that artists from various backgrounds and mediums have the opportunity to participate and gain recognition.
A notable aspect of the 2024 exhibition was its focus on sustainability. Artists incorporated recycled materials and employed eco-friendly practices, such as embroidery and paper usage, reflecting a commitment to environmental consciousness. Additionally, international participants created site-specific works tailored to the Venetian context, enhancing the exhibition’s relevance and connection to its locale.
The Arte Laguna Prize offers substantial rewards to its participants. Beyond the €10,000 prizes awarded to the winners of each edition, artists gain access to numerous special prizes, including international art residencies, collaborations with galleries and festivals, and partnerships with leading brands. These opportunities facilitate the development of new collaborations and provide valuable resources for career growth.
The selection process is overseen by juries composed of internationally renowned art experts. For the 18th edition, jurors included Laura Barreca, Giulia Colletti, Krist Gruijthuijsen, Gonzalo Herrero Delicado, David Max Horowitz, and Lu Peng. The 19th edition’s jury featured Chris Bayley, Luca Borriello, Claudia Segura Campins, Chiara Canali, Hyunjin Kim, Adam Kleinman, and Abdullah Saleh Yaseen Ali. These experts evaluated over 20,000 submissions from more than 80 countries, underscoring the Prize’s global reach and its role in highlighting emerging talents.
By providing a prestigious exhibition space in Venice and facilitating connections with the international art community, the Arte Laguna Prize continues to serve as a vital platform for new artists, fostering innovation and dialogue within the contemporary art scene.
