SiciliArtè Expo Italy
Art, craftsmanship, and solidarity in the heart of Palermo
About SiciliArtè Expo
A showcase of Sicilian art in Palermo
SiciliArtè Expo Italy is one of the most heartfelt art exhibitions in the Sicilian capital. Born as a multidisciplinary competition to give visibility to the island's talents, the event has found its home in the elegant spaces of Palazzo Riso, the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art of Sicily, located in the heart of Palermo's historic center along Via Vittorio Emanuele. For a few days, the atrium and halls of the palace transform into an exhibition trail that welcomes the public free of charge.
Disciplines and sections on display
The exhibition stands out for its cross-disciplinary approach, where visual and literary arts coexist in a dialogue that enhances every form of expression. Key sections include:
- Painting and sculpture by emerging and established artists
- Photography and contemporary visual arts
- Poetry and books, with presentations and readings
- Craftsmanship and artistic trades of the Sicilian tradition
- Historical fashion and period costumes
- Agri-food and typical products of the 'Made in Sicily' label
Art and solidarity: a shared identity
The hallmark of SiciliArtè is its charitable purpose. The exhibition is promoted by the Unalottaxlavita ETS association, chaired by Gabriele Montera, which directs the event's proceeds toward fundraising for the opening of a pediatric semi-intensive care unit with attached laboratories, as well as an assistance center for families with seriously ill children facing financial hardship. It is no coincidence that the award given to participants is the Solidarity Prize, and the event's motto states that "you can create art while doing good."
Made in Sicily: culture and local economy
In recent editions, the event has broadened its horizons by embracing the Made in Sicily brand, fostering a dialogue between culture and the local production system. Alongside artistic offerings, there is space for excellence in regional craftsmanship, fashion, and agri-food, in a format that weaves together creativity, entrepreneurship, and social commitment. The awards ceremony takes place at the Cantieri Culturali alla Zisa, in the evocative Cinema De Seta, capping off three intense days.
An event for Palermo and Sicily
Patronized by the Sicilian Region, the Municipality of Palermo, and the Sicilian Regional Assembly, SiciliArtè Expo Italy represents a precious appointment for the city's cultural fabric, capable of uniting the promotion of the island's artistic talents with a high-value social cause. It is an opportunity to discover Sicilian creativity while supporting those in need.
SiciliArtè Expo — edition 2026
SiciliArtè Expo Italy 2026: the tenth edition
The tenth edition of SiciliArtè Expo Italy was held in Palermo from May 8 to 10, 2026, within the halls of Palazzo Riso, the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art of Sicily. With a renewed format, the exhibition combined traditional artistic offerings—painting, sculpture, photography, poetry—with an opening toward 'Made in Sicily', highlighting local craftsmanship, historical fashion, and agri-food products.
The three days
- Friday, May 8: Inauguration with a press conference and exhibition open from 3:45 PM to 10:00 PM.
- Saturday, May 9: Exhibition open from 10:30 AM to 8:00 PM, followed in the evening by the "A Toast to Life in Music" event in the Palazzo Riso atrium, featuring live music, tastings of typical products, period costume parades, and folk performances.
- Sunday, May 10: Exhibition open from 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM, followed by the "Dalla Strada al Cuore" Grand Gala at the Cinema De Seta in the Cantieri Culturali alla Zisa, with the presentation of the 2026 Solidarity Prize.
The edition was patronized by the Sicilian Region, the Municipality of Palermo, and the Sicilian Regional Assembly, confirming the bond between art and social commitment that characterizes the event.
Programme SiciliArtè Expo 2026
Program May 8-10, 2026
- Friday, May 8 - Press conference (10:00 AM) in the Palazzo Riso conference room; exhibition open from 3:45 PM to 10:00 PM.
- Saturday, May 9 - Exhibition open from 10:30 AM to 8:00 PM; evening event "A Toast to Life in Music" in the Palazzo Riso atrium: live music, tastings of typical products and regional drinks, period costume parades, and folk performances.
- Sunday, May 10 - Exhibition open from 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM; "Dalla Strada al Cuore" Grand Gala at the Cinema De Seta (Cantieri Culturali alla Zisa, Via Paolo Gili 4) with the awards ceremony and presentation of the 2026 Solidarity Prize.
Highlights SiciliArtè Expo 2026
- Exhibition of painting, sculpture, photography, and poetry at Palazzo Riso
- Made in Sicily section: craftsmanship, historical fashion, and agri-food
- "A Toast to Life in Music" evening with live music and tastings
- "Dalla Strada al Cuore" Grand Gala and 2026 Solidarity Prize at Cinema De Seta
Prices SiciliArtè Expo 2026
Practical information — SiciliArtè Expo
How to get there
Palazzo Riso is located at Via Vittorio Emanuele 365, in the historic center of Palermo, just a few steps from the Quattro Canti. It is easily reachable on foot from the Central Station (about 20 minutes) or by AMAT city buses. The awards ceremony is held at the Cantieri Culturali alla Zisa (Cinema De Seta, Via Paolo Gili 4).
Admission
Access to the exhibition is granted with a voluntary but mandatory donation to support the charitable goals of the organizing association.
Contact
Tel. +39 091 6497525 - 348 6376432; email [email protected]; website www.siciliartexpo.org
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Where does it take place — SiciliArtè Expo
Palazzo Riso - Museo d'Arte Moderna e Contemporanea
Via Vittorio Emanuele 365, 90133 Palermo