Nature as Language – Rethinking Art Through Perception 

Discover the new contest dedicated to the relationship between art, nature and perception, and compete for a scholarship in collaboration with COLLEZIONE MARAMOTTI, to begin your academic journey at Istituto Marangoni Firenze • The School of Fashion & Art. 

INDUSTRY PARTNER 

Collezione Maramotti is a private contemporary art collection open to the public since 2007, located in the historic headquarters of the Max Mara company in Reggio Emilia. 
The collection includes several hundred works of art created from 1945 to the present day, over two hundred of which are permanently displayed, offering an in‑depth overview of some of the major Italian and international artistic movements of the second half of the 20th century. 

Most of the works from the 21st century are not part of the permanent exhibition and are presented within thematic exhibitions in the ground‑floor spaces dedicated to temporary shows, where commissioned projects by international artists are also regularly displayed. 

THE CONTEST 

Nature as Language – Rethinking Art Through Perception invites candidates to explore how nature can be interpreted as a system of signs, emotions, and meanings. 

Inspired by the theme of the Biennale Arte 2026, the project proposes going beyond the visual representation of nature to investigate its deeper dimensions: rhythms, transformations, energies, and invisible connections. 

In a world where nature is often observed but rarely “listened to,” how can art translate what is not immediately visible? 
How can nature be conveyed not only as a landscape, but as an experience? 

Participants are invited to develop a creative project that interprets nature as a language, transforming perceptions, sensory data and inspirations into a visual, experiential or narrative proposal. 

Requirements:

• A visual moodboardaccompanied by a 500‑word text explaining the concept 
  OR 
• A video reel (max. 30 seconds) accompanied by a 500‑word text explaining the concept. 

To participate in the contest, please refer to the scholarship regulations for full eligibility criteria. 

SCHOLARSHIP 

• Up to €15,000 (€5,000 per year) for Undergraduate three‑year programs in:
  • Multimedia Arts
  • Arts Curating

• Up to 50% off for the following courses:
  • One-Year Intensive course:
    • Digital Fine Art
      
      
  • Master Courses:
    • Art Management
    • Curating Art & Fashion
    • Creative Digital Media