The first phase of the Don Sante Prize for Contemporary Art, organized by the Mons. Sante Montanaro Foundation of Casamassima, has concluded with great success, as the application period officially closed at midnight on March 6. This year, the competition experienced a historic surge in participation, growing from 160 participants in the first edition and 297 in the second to an impressive 680 applications. Nearly 50% of these submissions came from international artists, further solidifying the global reach of the Prize.
This extraordinary growth highlights how the Don Sante Prize is establishing itself as a leading force in the cultural and artistic landscape, serving as a bridge between different geographic and linguistic realities. The applications, submitted by artists representing the best of global creativity — coming from over 70 countries across various continents — demonstrate the competition’s ability to attract talent from all over the world. As a result, Casamassima and the Puglia Region are becoming key international reference points for contemporary art.
The theme of this edition, "Reality as a Mirror of the Inner Dimension: New Geographies of Expression," invites artists to explore the complex dialogue between the inner world and the external environment, resulting in innovative works with strong visual and conceptual impact. In this context, the Prize is not only a competition but also a dynamic and inclusive showcase that fosters intercultural dialogue and highlights new frontiers of creativity.
"The success of this third edition," states Dr. Nica Ferri, President of the Foundation, "evidenced by an unprecedented level of international participation, strengthens our commitment to promoting art and culture as tools for dialogue and integration. The Don Sante Prize is becoming a global platform capable of elevating emerging talents and bringing recognition to our region far beyond national borders. We are proud to welcome artists from all over the world and to offer them a unique stage to express their artistic vision."
The journey now continues with the selection phase: by March 20, 2025, the Scientific Committee will announce the finalists, who will be contacted personally and featured online. The group exhibition, showcasing the synthesis of this extraordinary creative journey, will open on May 10, 2025, while the final award ceremony is scheduled for July 11, 2025.
[UPDATE]
📅 New date for the finalist announcement: March 31, 2025
https://www.fondazionemontanaro.it/notizie/finalist-selection-postponed-to-march-31-2025.html
