What's Happening?
ITSLIQUID Group has issued an open call for artists to participate in the 19th edition of CONTEMPORARY VENICE, an international art exhibition scheduled to run from October 16 to October 30, 2026. The event will be hosted at the 16th-century Palazzo Albrizzi-Capello
and other historical locations across Venice, coinciding with the 61st Venice Biennale of Art. This exhibition aims to foster new dialogues in various art forms, including painting, photography, video art, sculpture, installation, and live performance. The deadline for artist applications is September 27, 2026. ITSLIQUID Group, founded in 2001, has a history of organizing over 350 international events, engaging more than 10,000 artists globally. The exhibition will feature two curated sections: 'MIXING IDENTITIES,' which explores the inner dimensions of identity and the body's interaction with spaces, and 'FUTURE LANDSCAPES,' focusing on mental and conceptual spaces where boundaries dissolve. Artists are invited to submit works that reflect on the evolving relationship between the body, human experience, and the emergence of new identities within contemporary cultural and spatial landscapes.
Why It's Important?
This event is significant for the global art community, offering a prominent platform for both emerging and established artists to gain international recognition and visibility. The exhibition's timing, alongside the Venice Biennale, amplifies its reach and potential impact, drawing a diverse audience of art professionals, collectors, and enthusiasts. For artists, participation can lead to networking opportunities and critical engagement with contemporary political realities, as highlighted by past Biennale events. The focus on themes like 'MIXING IDENTITIES' and 'FUTURE LANDSCAPES' reflects current societal discussions around identity, space, and human experience, making the exhibition a cultural barometer. The event also contributes to Venice's status as a major international art hub, supporting cultural tourism and the local economy through increased visitor traffic and engagement with historical venues. The ITSLIQUID Group's extensive network and experience in organizing international art events ensure a high-quality platform for artistic exchange and development.
What's Next?
Artists interested in participating must submit their applications by September 27, 2026. Following the selection process, the chosen artworks will be prepared for exhibition, with ITSLIQUID Group providing services such as exhibition space management, assistance with customs and transport, and publicity. The exhibition itself will open on October 16, 2026, and run for two weeks, during which time it will be a key event within the broader context of the 61st Venice Biennale of Art. Major stakeholders, including art critics, curators, and the public, will be observing how the selected artists interpret the themes of 'MIXING IDENTITIES' and 'FUTURE LANDSCAPES.' The event is expected to generate discussions and critical reviews within the art world, potentially influencing future trends and artistic discourse. The success of this edition will also inform ITSLIQUID Group's future programming and collaborations.
Beyond the Headlines
The CONTEMPORARY VENICE exhibition, by running concurrently with the Venice Biennale, taps into a deeper cultural phenomenon: the concentration of global artistic discourse in specific, historically significant locations. This creates a unique ecosystem where established institutions and independent platforms like ITSLIQUID Group coexist, each contributing to the city's vibrant art scene. The themes chosen, 'MIXING IDENTITIES' and 'FUTURE LANDSCAPES,' are not merely artistic concepts but reflect profound societal shifts, including globalization, technological advancements, and evolving understandings of self and environment. The exhibition's emphasis on diverse art forms and its international scope underscore the increasing interconnectedness of the global art market and the continuous search for new modes of expression. Furthermore, the use of historical venues like Palazzo Albrizzi-Capello highlights the ongoing dialogue between past and present, where contemporary art breathes new life into ancient spaces, fostering a unique cultural synergy.
