Academy of Fine Arts of Naples (Naples/Italy) - Seven Works for Mercy

What you get

You will win a 1,000 EUR prize for an original work of art on the theme of mercy. Every year, seven prizes worth 1,000 EUR are awarded, one for each winning artwork. The winning artworks are then permanently exhibited in the museum’s picture gallery (the ‘Quadreria’). The prize is sponsored by the Pio Monte della Misericordia in Naples, a 400-year-old charity and museum that houses Caravaggio’s painting ‘The Seven Works of Mercy’.

Who can apply

• Where you study: You are enrolled at the Academy of Fine Arts in Naples (Accademia di Belle Arti di Napoli).
• Nationality: Applicants of any nationality may apply, provided they are studying at this academy.
• Field: You work in the field of fine art. Any medium is permitted: painting, sculpture, drawing, photography, watercolour, mixed media, digital and AI-based works.
• What you submit: An original work of art inspired by the theme of mercy and paying homage to Caravaggio’s ‘Seven Works of Mercy’.

How to apply

The call for entries is usually published in December. Entries must be submitted by 7 May. A jury selects a shortlist of around 23 works, exhibits them publicly and then chooses the seven winners. The winners will be announced at the opening of the main exhibition.

How realistic are your chances?

This prize has very strict eligibility criteria: only students from a single academy in Naples are eligible to enter, meaning that the field of entrants is small compared to open art prizes. Seven awards per year is a generous number for such a limited group. Selection is based solely on the artworks themselves, meaning that a strong, well-considered exploration of the theme of ‘mercy’ is the deciding factor.