About the Open Call

NEW HORIZONS – Authenticity, Resilience and Renewal explores the human capacity to transform, rebuild, and redefine one’s identity beyond visible boundaries. The collective exhibition invites artists and audiences to open up to new possibilities, to look beyond what is already known, and to cross the thresholds that separate falling and rebirth, fragility and inner strength. It is a journey towards new perspectives, both personal and collective, where art becomes a guide, a companion, and a tool for renewal. In a time when individuals are often at risk of isolation and alienation, NEW HORIZONS – Authenticity, Resilience and Renewal presents itself as a space for connection and introspection: a place where artists assert their authenticity, consolidating that unique voice capable of resisting pressures of conformity. Each artwork becomes a gesture of truth and courage, demonstrating that vulnerability can transform into creative strength, and that change is a poetic and necessary act. Through painting, photography, sculpture, installation, video, and performance, the exhibition brings together national and international artists who investigate the threshold as a starting point. Their works demonstrate that: Every limit can open: becoming a new threshold between the visible and the invisible, between fall and rebirth. Resilience is an artistic language: rising again becomes form, gesture, image. Authenticity drives transformation: remaining true to one’s core generates renewal. Art unlocks new horizons: it creates connections, opens imaginations, inspires possible futures. Expression becomes a manifesto: each work affirms courage, vision, and evolution. In the unique context of Matera, Mediterranean Capital of Culture and Dialogue 2026, the exhibition dialogues with a city that is itself a horizon to cross: a place suspended between ancient history and contemporary light, where stone and sky meet. A strong and resilient city, open to dialogue and culture between peoples and with a keen eye for contemporary art. Here, artworks expand their meaning, resonating with the spaces and amplifying the visitor’s emotional and sensory experience. NEW HORIZONS – Authenticity, Resilience and Renewal celebrates the courage to look beyond personal limits, the power to transform, and the beauty of staying authentic even in change. Only by opening ourselves to new horizons can we discover new truths—inside and outside ourselves—and leave a mark capable of inspiring the future.

What is Offered

Logistics management of the exhibition by the curator, rental costs of the exhibition venue, mounting and dismounting of all artworks, assistance with customs formalities, international shipping and local transport, assistance in finding accommodation and/or city experiences, design and printing of posters, flyers and labels, certificates of participation in pdf format, dedicated article for each selected artist with interview and artworks published on website and social media, global and local press office/advertising, realization of the exhibition page and dedicated press office, exhibition opening ceremony with food and drinks.

Requirements

Open to artists and collectives, both Italian and international, working in painting, photography, video art, sculpture, installation and performance. Submissions should reflect the central theme: overcoming personal limits, rebirth through creativity, and expressing individual authenticity. Proposals will be evaluated based on thematic relevance, artistic quality, originality and exhibition feasibility. Each participant artist will be responsible for getting the works to their destination and for their return.

How to Apply

Artists and collectives, both Italian and international, working in painting, photography, video art, sculpture, installation and performance are invited to apply. Applicants should provide: 1. Artist statement / biography (max 250 words). 2. Artwork description (max 300 words), including title, year, medium, dimensions, and any technical/logistical requirements. 3. Visual or video documentation of the work (high-resolution images, video links or digital files). 4. Portfolio or website link (if available). All submissions must be sent by March 06, 2026 (11.59 PM your local time) to carmelaloiacono.arthistorian@gmail.com.