Florence Biennale

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the Florence Biennale?

When was the Biennale born?

What's the "Lorenzo il Magnifico" award?

How are the artists chosen?

What kind of art is exhibited?

What's the International Jury?

How can I take part?

Where is the exhibition spaces?

Can I receive sponsorship?

Where can I stay during the exhibition?

What's the Florence Biennale?

The Florence Biennale is the most comprehensive exhibition of Contemporary artists. The exhibition aims at a public of art lovers and non who want to discover and enjoy themselves with the variety of artistic expressions of cultures, societies and countries from all over the world.

When was the Biennale born?

The Biennale was born in 1997 and since then other 5 editions have been made. This years exhibition represents the tenth year of this event, which confirms the straordinary capacity of satisfying the requirements and new trends in the contemporary art scene.

What's the "Lorenzo il Magnifico" award?

The International Award "Lorenzo il Magnifico" is the highest recognition of the Florence Biennale. The award has been given to Christo & Jeanne-Claude, Richard Anuszkiewicz, David Hockney, Ferrari, the Restoration Laboratories of the Vatican Museums, Carla Fracci, Ferruccio Soleri, Harley-Davidson, and most recently in 2007 to the British artists Gilbert & George. For further information visit the page Recognitions.

How are the artists chosen?

The artists are chosen by the International Scientific Committee, by the Internal Committee following indications by the Scientific Committee and the Cultural Authorities of the Nations who can also select “emerging” artists that aren't yet well known. Furthermore, artists already selected during previous years that have or have not participate in the Biennale can also be chosen.

What kind of art is exhibited?

The philosophy of the Biennale is not to limit the artistic expressions of individuals. There are no prejudices in terms of style, current, techniques or artistic trends on this subject that determine a division of participants into groups or sections. Thanks to this new method of interpretation of art, the first instrument of freedom and expression of populations, that the Biennial introduced in 2001 in the United Nations Programme "A dialogue among civilization".

What's the International Jury?

The International Jury is the authority in charge of allocating the International Award "Lorenzo il Magnifico". Consisting of important individuals in the field of art and international culture, its members include Barbara Rose, Dore Ashton, Teresa Ortega Coca, Veronika Birke manager of the Albertina Museum of Vienna and Julian Zugazagoitia Manager of the Barrio Museum of New York. John T. Spike, the art critic and Artistic Manager, was also part of the Biennial jury from 1999 to 2005.

How can I take part?

If you are an artist already selected, simply read the instructions in the section Admittance and send them to our organisational secretariat. If you are not one of the artists already selected, you can send us some photographs of your artistic production and if you are chosen to take part you will be contacted again.

Where is the exhibition spaces?

The exhibition can be found in the prestigious exhibition areas of Fortezza da Basso, located in the heart of the city of Florence, just a short walk from the city centre. Fortezza da Basso, designed by Antonio da Sangallo il Giovane with the help of Pier Francesco da Viterbo, is a huge structure built on the idea of a medieval city, currently used to host the most important exhibitions in the city of Florence. The monumental structure, with a pentagonal layout, a splendid example of renaissance architecture, is characterised by its imposing bastions that include towers, narrow tunnels and hidden passages. It was built in just one year, between 1533 and 1534 a.C. on behalf of the Medici family.

Can I receive sponsorship?

All artists can independently carry out research for private and public authorities and do not sponsor their own participation in the Biennial. The Biennial supports this kind of research through the transmission of material required to confirm participation of the artist directly with the sponsor.

Where can I stay during the exhibition?

The Biennial has predisposed a whole range of concessions for all participating artists. Mobil Travel, the official agency of the Biennial, offers a whole range of advantageous rates for stays during the period of the fair, including guided visits in museums and excursions outside of Florence.