Exhibition Premio Mestre di Pittura 2020

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Mestre, Centro Culturale Candiani
From 4 September to 4 October 2020

Organized by
Il Circolo Veneto
Fondazione Musei Civici di Venezia

Under the patronage of
Centro Culturale Candiani
Città Metropolitana di Venezia
Regione del Veneto

In collaboration with
Accademia di Belle Arti di Venezia
Fondazione Bevilacqua La Masa
Comune di Venezia
Museo M9
Padiglione Venezia della Biennale

The founding of the Premio Mestre di Pittura (Mestre Painting Prize) in distant 1958 was the outcome of a farsighted proposal by artist Andreina Crepet Guazzo, who from the early 1950s advocated the cultural revival of the mainland in conjunction with the economic resurgence of those years. After ten successful editions involving some of the most famous names in painting in Venice and beyond, the prize was abandoned in 1968.
After over half a century of oblivion, it was successfully reinstated in 2017, due to the efforts and enthusiasm of the members of the Circolo Veneto cultural association, and since 2018 it has been organised in collaboration with the Fondazione Musei Civici di Venezia, which assists in selecting the artworks, organising the exhibition and preparing the catalogue.

The re-established Premio Mestre di Pittura is the result of participation by the Municipality of Venice, important Venetian cultural institutions, and the support of a large group of generous art patrons and private sponsors. In 2020 it will hold its fourth edition and is set to become a regular national event. Almost 900 artists participated from all over Italy and abroad, 54 of whom were selected for the finalists’ exhibition at the Centro Culturale Candiani.

The jury, chaired by professor Philippe Daverio – recently passed away – is made up of experts and professionals spanning the world of art and culture. They include Gabriella Belli, director of the Fondazione Musei Civici di Venezia; Giuseppe La Bruna, director of the Accademia di Belle Arti di Venezia; Michele Bonuomo, editor of Mondadori’s monthly journal Arte; Roberto Zamberlan, director of the Fondazione Bevilacqua La Masa; Christiano Costantini, President of the “Amici del Premio Mestre” and Marco Dolfin, curator of the exhibition and jury secretary.

As per tradition, the winning work will enter the museum collections of Ca’ Pesaro Galleria Internazionale d’Arte Moderna. In addition, the 2020 winner will also be present in the Venice Pavilion at the Biennale.