International Biennial Prize "Marche d'Acqua - Fabriano Watercolour"
The international biennial watercolour prize at the Fabriano Paper Museum
About Fabriano Watercolour
Fabriano Watercolour, the great watercolour prize
The International Biennial Prize "Marche d'Acqua - Fabriano Watercolour" is one of the most prestigious art events on the cultural calendar of Fabriano, in the province of Ancona, in the heart of the Marche region. Established in 2010 by the City of Fabriano to promote the fundamental relationship between artisanal paper and watercolour painting technique, the prize is held every two years and transforms the Museum of Paper and Watermark into an international showcase for watercolour painting.
Why Fabriano?
It is no coincidence that the prize was born here: Fabriano has been famous for centuries for the production of high-quality paper and is recognized as a UNESCO Creative City. Fabriano's watermarked paper, produced since the Middle Ages, is the natural and ideal support for watercolour artists from all over the world. This inseparable link between the Marche territory and watercolour art makes the competition unique.
How the competition works
For each edition, an international jury, composed of world-renowned watercolour artists, selects 56 invited artists from hundreds of candidates from dozens of countries. The selected works compete for the three prizes provided for in the announcement, as well as any special mentions. The exhibition at the Museum of Paper traditionally brings together over a hundred works, divided into several sections:
- the main exhibition with the competing works of the 56 invited artists;
- the solo exhibitions of the winners from previous editions;
- the "Masters of the Jury" section, with a work by each jury member;
- the permanent section with the winning works from past editions.
An international roll of honour
Over the years, the prize has honoured some of the greatest names in contemporary watercolour: from the Australian Joseph Zbukvic (first prize 2022) to the Bulgarian Atanas Matsoureff, from the Swede Stanislaw Zoladz to artists from Russia, China, Spain, Mexico, and the United States. The jury brings together masters from all over the world, confirming the global dimension achieved by the event.
Art open to all
Fabriano Watercolour is much more than a competition: it is a large, widespread exhibition that remains open to the public for several weeks during the summer and autumn seasons, with free admission. For the city of Fabriano and the entire Marche Region, it represents a precious opportunity to combine the region's artisanal excellence with a profoundly international vocation.
Fabriano Watercolour — edition 2026
The IX edition of Fabriano Watercolour confirms the international dimension of the biennial watercolour prize. The grand exhibition is set up at the Museum of Paper and Watermark in Fabriano and can be visited from July 11 to September 27, 2026.
As tradition dictates, an international jury of world-renowned watercolour artists has selected 56 invited artists from hundreds of candidates from dozens of countries; their works compete for the three prizes provided for in the call, alongside solo exhibitions of winners from previous editions and the "Masters of the Jury" section. The official prize website has already made available the list of nominees and the online exhibition of candidates, as well as the biennial's regulations. Admission to the exhibition is free.
Programme Fabriano Watercolour 2026
The grand exhibition of the Fabriano Watercolour Prize 2026 is open to the public from July 11 to September 27, 2026 in the halls of the Museum of Paper and Watermark.
- Main exhibition: the competing works of the 56 invited artists, selected by the international jury from hundreds of candidates;
- Exhibition of candidates: online exhibition of nominees available on the official website (among the selected works, "The End of the Night" by Spanish painter Vicente Garcia Fuentes);
- Solo exhibitions and Masters of the Jury: works by winners of previous editions and jury members;
- Awards ceremony: awarding of the three prizes in the call and any special mentions.
The detailed program for the opening days and opening hours are published on the official website of the prize and the Museum of Paper.
Highlights Fabriano Watercolour 2026
- 56 invited artists from around the world competing for three prizes;
- List of nominees and online exhibition of candidates already published;
- Exceptional venue: the Museum of Paper and Watermark in Fabriano;
- Free admission for the entire duration of the exhibition.
Prices Fabriano Watercolour 2026
Practical information — Fabriano Watercolour
How to get there
The Museum of Paper and Watermark is located at Largo Fratelli Spacca 2, in the historic centre of Fabriano. The city can be reached by train on the Rome-Ancona line (Fabriano station) and by car via the SS76 of the Val d'Esino. The nearest airports are Ancona-Falconara and Perugia.
Admission
Admission to the exhibition is free. It is advisable to check the opening hours of the Museum of Paper and Watermark, which during the exhibition observes extended hours on weekdays and holidays.
Contacts
Museum of Paper and Watermark, tel. +39 0732 22334, email [email protected].
Where to stay
The historic centre of Fabriano and the surrounding Apennine villages offer hotels, B&Bs, and farm stays. Advance booking is recommended during peak season.
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Where does it take place — Fabriano Watercolour
Museo della Carta e della Filigrana
Largo Fratelli Spacca 2, 60044 Fabriano