Salisano in Pittura Open-Air Painting Competition

A Sabina village turned into a canvas

Perched on the hills of the Sabina region in the province of Rieti, Salisano is one of those small Lazio villages that have kept their authenticity intact: stone alleys, panoramic views of the Sabina countryside, and a community that keeps its roots alive. To celebrate this heritage, the Municipality of Salisano created "Salisano in Pittura," an en plein air painting competition launched in December 2025 with the goal of honoring the town's culture, traditions, and origins through the eyes of artists.

How the competition works

The format follows the classic open-air painting tradition: in the morning, participants register and have their canvases stamped, then scatter throughout the most picturesque corners of the village to create their works outdoors. All painting techniques are allowed, each artist enters with a single work, and the maximum size allowed is 100 x 100 cm. Participation is free and open to everyone—Italian and international artists, amateurs, and professionals alike, with no age limit: in the first edition, established painters and children painted side by side.

Prizes and jury

The submitted works are evaluated by a jury of experts based on their originality and ability to capture the local historical and natural landscape. The competition features a single category with three cash prizes: 500 euros for first place, 300 euros for second, and 200 euros for third. The winning works become part of the Municipality of Salisano's collection, while other artists may choose to donate or sell their work to visitors. In the first edition, the jury was chaired by cultural journalist Antonella Giordano, joined by Roland Ekstrom, Maria Cristina Fattori, Luca Ruzza, and Gianni Turina.

A celebration for the whole town

More than just a competition, "Salisano in Pittura" is a festive day that involves the entire village. The first edition featured food stalls serving typical Sabina products, a video-photographic exhibition dedicated to the living nativity scenes of Salisano, a reception in the main square, and a juggling show for children and teens. The public is invited to walk among the easels, watch the artists at work, and attend the awards ceremony in a spirit of meeting and exchange between painters, residents, and visitors.

The 2026 edition with the Lazio Region

Following the success of its debut, the competition moves to the summer: the second edition will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026, organized by the Municipality of Salisano in collaboration with the Lazio Region, with the awards ceremony taking place in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele III. In the same month, the town also hosts the "Salisano in Poesia" literary competition, confirming a vibrant cultural season that makes this small Sabina town a reference point for art throughout the villages of Lazio.