Call for Artists: NATURAL FLOW – The Second Edition 2026 | Lecce

Dr. Carmela Loiacono, Art Historian & Independent Curator, is proud to present the open call for the international art exhibition NATURAL FLOW – The Second Edition 2026, which will take place in Lecce from July 3 to 18, 2026 at the MUST – Museo Storico della Città di Lecce.

The concept
Water is one of the fundamental elements of nature and the most widespread compound on Earth. Both a material substance and a powerful symbolic presence, water has played a central role throughout the history of art.
From ancient Egyptian culture to Greek and Roman mythology, water has been associated with creative force, life, and fertility. In medieval art, it became a symbol of purification, while in the modern age it emerged as a fluid, unstable, and elusive element.
The theme gained particular prominence during Impressionism, where transparency and the interplay of light and reflections brought movement and vitality to pictorial surfaces. Across time, water has continued to inspire artistic research, from Cubism and Surrealism to Arte Povera and contemporary practices.

As a vital component of the life cycle and an essential resource, water remains a powerful source of reflection for artists today. From the representation of seas, rivers, and lakes to critical perspectives on its preservation and environmental significance, the exhibition NATURAL FLOW – The Second Edition 2026 invites artists to explore the multiple meanings and implications of water.

The selected works will celebrate the culture of water and its profound connection with artistic expression, highlighting the essential role of this element in sustaining life and shaping human experience.

Who Can Apply
Artists and collectives, both Italian and international, working in painting, photography, sculpture, installation and performance.

Selection process
Proposals must reflect the central theme of water.
Artists are invited to interpret water in all its forms: 
1) Personal or conceptual reflections 
2) Natural landscapes (seas, rivers, lakes) 
3) Symbolic and spiritual dimensions 
4) Environmental concerns and sustainability

Participation fee
The submission proposal is free.
A participation fee is required only for selected artists to cover logistics, setup, printed materials, press office, local support, article/interview, opening and services. The participation for performance art is free for the opening of the exhibition.

Deadline for application proposal: June 15, 2026 (11:59 PM – your local time)

One element, infinite visions: explore the power of water and leave your mark! Exhibit your art!