From next 18 July until 4 February 2024, the call for entries is open for the Prize, which takes place every two years and was created with the intention of finding personalities in the field of art and music through the expertise of a large international network of experts.

Established in 2013 with the intention of commemorating Mario Merz and supporting contemporary creativity in the field of visual arts and music, and now in its fifth edition, the Prize is fully part of the cultural programme that the Foundation is dedicating to the artist on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of his death.

The Prize is aimed at those who have the right determination to pursue their research beyond any opposition arising from political, social and geographical affiliations.

It consists of two phases: a first one, aimed at collecting nominations, which will then lead to the presentation to the public of the works of the finalists in both categories; and a subsequent one which, through the combined action of an international jury that will also take into account the public’s vote, will decree the two winners. The artist will be commissioned a project for a personal exhibition, the composer a piece for string orchestra to be performed in a concert or as soundtrack for a museum space.

TO WHOM THE CALL IS ADDRESSED

For the art section, artists nominated by curators, museum directors, critics, gallery owners or personalities from the world of culture, and for the music section, composers nominated by musical institutions, performers, critics and personalities from the world of music, may participate. Composers and artists may not nominate themselves. Both categories have no age, geographical or media limits.

ART SECTION

The Art Prize is dedicated to artists who have already gained recognition for the quality of their work in their country of origin and who have already launched an international career. The five artists chosen by the pre-selection jury will be invited to exhibit a selection of their works in a group show, following which a winner will be chosen.

MUSIC SECTION

The Music Prize is dedicated to contemporary composition. The members of the jury are international experts with experience as both composers and performers, thus ensuring a broad perspective in the evaluation of the new works. The compositions of the three finalists chosen by the pre-selection jury will be performed and from these the winner will be chosen.

The juries will be announced when the call for entries closes.

 

To submit the application: www.mariomerzprize.org