Catalani International Prize

A contemporary art prize in the historic center of Messina

The Catalani International Prize is a well-established fixture in the cultural calendar of Messina, Sicily. It takes place at the Spazio Macos Art Gallery, located at Via Cardines 16, just a short walk from the famous Church of the Catalans (Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani), an Arab-Norman jewel that gives the event its name. Conceived, organized, and curated by artist and gallery owner Mamy Costa, the prize has grown with each edition to become a benchmark for contemporary artists across the Mediterranean.

Categories and format

The prize is divided into four categories: painting, sculpture, photography, and digital art. Selected works are presented to the public in both physical and virtual formats, through a printed catalog and a video exhibition showcasing the finalists' work. The jury selects the winners, who receive prestigious recognition: a solo exhibition, inclusion in the Contemporary Art Catalog, and a dedicated video exhibition the following year. All other participating artists receive a certificate of merit.

An international crossroads

The prize has a distinctly international vocation: each edition brings together dozens of finalists not only from Italy but also from abroad, with artists from Ukraine, Germany, Portugal, Australia, and many other countries. The themes explored range from identity to landscape, and from social relationships to contemporary transformations, following a path that revolves around a different inspiring theme each year.

Local roots

The event is held in collaboration with local Messina associations, including A.P.A.T. (Landscape, Environment, and Territory Association) and A.M.A. (Messina Beekeepers Association), demonstrating the prize's deep integration into the city's cultural and social life. The choice of the historic center, near the Church of the Catalans, is no coincidence: here, contemporary art engages with Messina's historical heritage, bridging the gap between past and present.

When it takes place

The Catalani International Prize is traditionally held in the second half of February, featuring a week of public access that culminates in the vernissage and award ceremony. It is an opportunity to discover contemporary art trends in an intimate and refined setting in the heart of the province of Messina.