The selection process for the 9th Edition of the Chianciano Biennale has now been completed.
We would like to sincerely thank every artist who submitted work for consideration. This year we received an exceptional number of applications from artists across the world, making the selection process particularly competitive.
All applicants have now been notified by email, and the results are available through the Artemisia platform.
Successful artists will receive further information over the coming weeks regarding artwork delivery, exhibition preparation, and the opening events.
We look forward to welcoming our selected artists to Chianciano Terme, Tuscany, from 15–29 August 2026 for what promises to be our largest and most international edition to date.
Over 300 International Artists to Transform Chianciano Terme into a Major Contemporary Art Destination
Chianciano Terme, Tuscany — The Chianciano Biennale 2026 will mark the largest and most ambitious edition in the history of the exhibition, bringing together more than 300 artists from around the world across the galleries of the historic Centro Storico and the extensive spaces of the Chianciano Art Museum.
Taking place from 15–29 August 2026, the Biennale will expand throughout the town of Chianciano Terme, transforming the celebrated Tuscan destination into a large-scale international centre for contemporary art, cultural dialogue and artistic exchange.
For the first time, the Biennale will adopt a fully expanded multi-site format, combining the atmosphere and architectural character of the medieval old town with the over 3,000 square metres of exhibition space within the Chianciano Art Museum.
The medieval streets, galleries and historic spaces of the Centro Storico will become an immersive cultural pathway connecting exhibitions, installations, meetings with artists and special events throughout the town, creating a unique dialogue between contemporary artistic practice and the cultural heritage of Tuscany.
Artists from over 60 nations are expected to participate, presenting works across painting, sculpture, photography, installation, mixed media and experimental contemporary practices. Thousands of visitors, collectors, curators, critics and art professionals are anticipated to attend the 2026 edition.
The opening celebrations will unfold over two days: • The first official opening event will take place throughout the Centro Storico, with galleries and cultural spaces opening simultaneously for a town-wide celebration of contemporary art. • The second opening event will follow the next day at the Chianciano Art Museum, presenting the museum’s international exhibition programme and large-scale installations.
The expanded format reflects the Biennale’s continuing international growth and its commitment to making contemporary art more accessible, experiential and integrated within the urban and cultural life of the town itself.
Set in the heart of Tuscany — the cradle of the Renaissance — the Chianciano Biennale creates a meeting point between historical heritage and contemporary global creativity, while contributing to the cultural and economic vitality of the region through international tourism and artistic exchange.
“This expansion represents an important moment not only for the Biennale, but for Chianciano itself,” said Peter Gagliardi. “By connecting the museum with the historic centre, we hope to create a living cultural experience that involves the entire town and welcomes artists and visitors from all over the world.”
Alongside the exhibitions, the Biennale will feature a wider cultural programme including talks, artist encounters, performances and special events designed to encourage dialogue between artists, visitors and the international art community.
The international call for artists remains open until 31 May 2026. Selected artists for the 2026 edition of the Chianciano Biennale will be officially announced in June 2026 following the completion of the curatorial and selection process.
The Chianciano Art Museum is pleased to announce a new media initiative connected to the forthcoming 2026 edition, offering selected artists the opportunity to be featured within special cultural pages published in the Tuscany edition of la Repubblica, one of Italy’s most respected and influential newspapers.
The Tuscany edition of la Repubblica, with particular circulation throughout Florence and the wider region, reaches a readership deeply connected to the artistic and cultural life of central Italy. For many years, the newspaper has represented an important point of reference within the Italian cultural landscape and is read daily by collectors, curators, museum directors, art professionals, gallerists, critics, foundations, and dedicated followers of the arts.
As part of this initiative, the Chianciano Art Museum will curate specially designed cultural pages dedicated to artists participating in the Biennale. These professionally presented features will showcase artists and their works within the prestigious environment of one of Italy’s leading publications, offering an important opportunity for visibility within the contemporary art world.
Florence continues to stand among the great international capitals of art and collecting, home to world-renowned museums, private collections, foundations, and major galleries. Being featured within the Tuscan cultural pages of la Repubblica therefore represents a significant opportunity for artists to reach a highly qualified and culturally engaged audience deeply connected to the region’s artistic landscape.
This initiative forms part of the broader mission of the Chianciano Art Museum and the Chianciano Biennale 2026 to create meaningful international promotional opportunities for contemporary artists while encouraging dialogue between emerging and established artistic voices.
The forthcoming edition of the Biennale will once again bring together artists from around the world within the extraordinary cultural setting of Tuscany, combining museum exhibitions, international connections, and important visibility opportunities linked to the Italian and European art scene.
On the occasion of the 2026 Biennale, a curated cultural programme will be presented, conceived as a platform for reflection, dialogue, and critical engagement. Through a series of talks and discussions, scholars, artists, and professionals will offer interdisciplinary perspectives on art, exploring its connections with history, law, science, and contemporary perception.
Dates and times of the events will be announced closer to the official opening of the exhibition.
The Gaze of a Pulitzer PrizeWinner
As part of the Biennale, Lonnie Schein will produce an artistic photographic documentation of the exhibition spaces, interpreting the works and their installation through a sensitive and contemporary lens. This exhibition presents a selection of works that reflect his photographic journey, developed over decades within an international context.
For over 35 years, Lonnie Schein worked as a photo editor at The New York Times while simultaneously pursuing his own career as a photographer. In 2001, he was entrusted with overseeing all photographic coverage of the September 11 attacks for the newspaper’s special section A Nation Challenged, which was awarded the Pulitzer Prize. He also edited the accompanying photo book, which remained on bestseller lists for several months.
During his tenure, he served as Foreign Picture Editor, directing coverage of major international events, including the fall of Mikhail Gorbachev. As National Picture Editor, he oversaw photographic coverage throughout the administrations of Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, closely following presidential elections, inaugurations, and the impeachment process. His work also extended across the Metro, Arts, and Travel sections, reflecting a career of considerable breadth and authority.
Tradition and Vision: Art at the University of Oxford Through the Centuries
Francesco Gagliardi — University Lecturer
A historical and cultural exploration of the role of art within one of Europe’s most distinguished academic institutions.
Creation and Protection: Copyright in Contemporary Art
Peter Gagliardi — Law Graduate
An examination of the key legal issues surrounding the protection of artworks and the rights of artists in the contemporary landscape.
The Great Mystery of the Mona Lisa: One of the World’s Most Enigmatic Subjects. Which Versions Were Painted by Leonardo, and Where Are They Today?
Professor Guidi — Art Historian
An investigation into one of the most iconic and debated images in art history, focusing on versions attributed directly to Leonardo da Vinci, through historical analysis, stylistic comparison, and the enduring questions surrounding their authenticity and current location.
The Chianciano Art Biennale has opened its call for artists for the 9th edition, set to take place in 2026 in the heart of Tuscany’s medieval town. Organised by the renowned Gagliardi Gallery in London, the Biennale has established itself as a beacon of artistic excellence, showcasing talent from across the globe for over a decade.
Artists from every nation are invited to submit their work and join a celebration of contemporary art that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries. More than 150 artists will be selected to exhibit across thirteen historic galleries, including the Museo d’Arte di Chianciano, creating a unique dialogue between modern creativity and centuries-old architecture.
Winners of the Chianciano Biennale will receive prestigious awards, cash prizes, and automatic approval to participate in the London Art Biennale 2027, further cementing the event’s role as a gateway to international recognition.
With over 45 years of curatorial expertise guiding the selection process, the Biennale guarantees an exhibition of the highest quality. It is not just an event but a vibrant community of artists, critics, collectors, and art lovers united in celebrating the power of art.
The Chianciano Biennale 2024, one of the most anticipated cultural events of the year, was officially inaugurated yesterday by the Mayor of Chianciano Terme, Grazia Torelli, in a grand ceremony that attracted over a thousand art lovers, collectors, and connoisseurs.
The event, which has cemented Chianciano Terme as a key destination in the international art calendar, unfolded across 13 distinguished art galleries within the town’s picturesque historical center.
The Chianciano Biennale 2024 is a celebration of art in its broadest and most inclusive sense, showcasing a remarkable diversity of concepts, styles, and media. From traditional painting and sculpture to cutting-edge and digital installations, the exhibition offers a platform for both emerging and established artists to present works that challenge, inspire, and engage.
Chianciano Biennale 2024
Chianciano Biennale 2024
Chianciano Biennale 2024
Chianciano Biennale 2024
Chianciano Biennale 2024
Chianciano Biennale 2024
Chianciano Biennale 2024
Chianciano Biennale 2024
Chianciano Biennale 2024
Chianciano Biennale 2024
Chianciano Biennale 2024
Chianciano Biennale 2024
The curatorial team has meticulously selected pieces that represent a wide spectrum of artistic expression, ensuring that visitors encounter a vibrant and thought-provoking experience at every turn.
Mayor Grazia Torelli with Cllrs Alessandra Chiezzi e Michele MicheliRistorante Rabarbaro di ChiancianoBanda Musicale Bonaventura Somma
“The Chianciano Biennale is not just an exhibition; it is a testament to the enduring power of art to transcend boundaries and connect us on a human level,” stated curator Peter Gagliardi. “We are proud to host such a prestigious event, bringing together artists and audiences from all over the world to celebrate creativity and innovation.”
This year’s Biennale is particularly noted for its ambitious scope, with artworks that delve into a myriad of themes ranging from the deeply personal to the universally political. The media on display are as varied as the concepts, encompassing everything from oil on canvas and bronze sculpture to artificial intelligence and interactive installations. The exhibition not only highlights the richness of contemporary art but also reflects the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of the global art scene.
Visitors to the Chianciano Biennale 2024 can expect to be immersed in an unparalleled artistic journey, with each of the 13 galleries offering a unique perspective and atmosphere. The integration of the exhibition into the historical fabric of Chianciano Terme further enhances the experience, allowing guests to explore the town’s cultural heritage alongside its vibrant present.
Chianciano Biennale 2024
Chianciano Biennale 2024
Chianciano Biennale 2024
Chianciano Biennale 2024
Chianciano Biennale 2024
Chianciano Biennale 2024
The Chianciano Biennale 2024 will run until August 18, offering ample opportunity for art enthusiasts to discover the exceptional works on display. With its blend of tradition and innovation, this year’s Biennale promises to be a landmark event in the world of contemporary art.