Aradeo: Borgo dell'Arte Painting Competition

A village turned into an open-air studio

For two days in early May, the streets, squares, and courtyards of the historic center of Aradeo—a small town in the Province of Lecce, in the heart of Salento—come alive with easels, canvases, and palettes. This is the "Borgo dell'Arte" painting competition, an event that invites painters to work en plein air, capturing the essence of the town and its surrounding countryside in real-time. It is more than just an exhibition: it is art unfolding before the eyes of passersby, set against stone walls and the radiant light of Salento.

How the competition works

The event follows the classic format of an open-air painting competition. Artists arrive in the morning, starting at 8:00 AM, for registration and to have their canvases stamped; all works must be created entirely on-site during the two days. Each artist chooses their own corner of the village or countryside to work, often interpreting themes related to the local area: traditions, folklore, fairy tales, dances, legends, and local Aradeo festivals. At the end, a specialized jury evaluates the works and awards purchase prizes to the best entries, while every participant receives a certificate of attendance.

An event that unites Italy and beyond

Born from the dedication of the ArtAradeo cultural association, founded in 2010 by Antonio Giuppa and Fernando Manco, the event has seen constant growth, evolving from a biennial to a more frequent appointment. Today, it attracts painters from all over Italy—from Salento to the provinces of Bari, Brindisi, and Taranto, as well as Varese, Campobasso, Caserta, Avellino, and Calabria—with the participation of international artists as well. The event is sponsored by the Municipality of Aradeo and supported by local associations, starting with the San Nicola Patronal Feast Committee.

Aradeo, the heart of Salento

Located in the hinterland of the Province of Lecce, a short distance from Galatina and the Ionian coast, Aradeo is a Salento town rich in traditions, from the local Carnival to patronal feasts. With "Borgo dell'Arte," the town chooses to tell its story through the eyes of painters, offering visitors the chance to stroll through alleys and courtyards as canvases take shape. The final ceremony, featuring the exhibition of the works and the awards presentation, takes place at the Municipal Theater named after local native Domenico Modugno, the town's cultural heart.