The deadline to register for the Biennale MArteLive 2026 Call for Artists is August 31st; those who do not sign up by this date will have to wait for the next edition. The Biennale MArteLive is Italy’s premier multidisciplinary festival-competition, dedicated to discovering and showcasing the best emerging talent on the contemporary scene since 2001.
Open to artists under 35 (aged 18 to 35) residing or domiciled in Italy, the competition seeks creatives capable of commanding the stage with a distinctive voice and a sense of urgency.
With the Biennale MArteLive, art ceases to be a monologue confined to isolated silos. Indeed, this edition’s concept amplifies the festival’s historic identity—the "Total Show"—to the fullest. MArteLive turns the anatomy of live performance on its head, fostering a simultaneous dialogue between 16 diverse artistic disciplines:
Music, DJ/Producer, Theater, Dance, Contemporary Circus, Literature, Painting, Photography, Sculpture, Street Art, Graphic Illustration, Short Films, Music Videos, Video Art, Fashion, and Creative Craftsmanship.
More than just a competition, MArteLive has evolved into a genuine cultural hub capable of developing 16 special collateral projects (ranging from *CortoLive* to *Street Art for Rights*, and from *Open Gallery* to *Buskers in Town*). "Standing out with original projects isn't easy in today's saturated world," says Leonardo Angelucci, a past winner in the Music category. "Opportunities like the ones MArteLive offers to independent artists are truly welcome."

SELECTIONS AND PRIZES
Eligible artists will pass through preliminary selection rounds leading up to the spectacular National Final, scheduled to take place in Rome at Lanificio 159 from October 1 to 3, 2026. There, finalists will perform before an audience of thousands and an expert jury, 75% of whom are industry professionals (artistic directors, curators, and sector experts).
Prizes include significant funding (such as the €10,000 Nuovo IMAIE Award for a tour and management contracts for the Music category) and, above all, a two-year spot on the MArteLive roster. Selected talents will join Italy's largest multi-disciplinary artist agency, gaining access to bookings, tours, and visibility within a robust network.
As Stefania Marchetto (SteReal), a Street Art winner, attests: "With MArteLive, I had the chance not only to feel artistically fulfilled but also to meet fantastic artists. The passion for every art form makes this a unique opportunity."

HOW TO PARTICIPATE
Creatives under the age of 35 may submit a single original work produced within the last two years.
Registration closes on August 31st: this is the final opportunity to apply for this edition.
Full regulations, category guidelines, and the official registration form are available at the following link: https://concorso.martelive.it/iscriviti/