Max Mara Art Prize for Women Enters a New Global Chapter With a Nomadic Vision

The Max Mara Art Prize for Women is opening a new chapter in its history, redefining its scope with a bold international direction. Created in 2005 to support emerging and mid-career women artists at a decisive moment in their practice, the prize now adopts a nomadic format, travelling to a different country for each edition and engaging directly with diverse cultural scenes around the world.

This evolution marks a strategic shift for one of the most respected initiatives dedicated to women in contemporary art. While staying true to its founding values of long-term support, creative freedom, and professional development, the prize expands its reach to foster global dialogue and cultural exchange.

A Curated International Approach

The new phase of the prize will be curated by Cecilia Alemani, Director and Chief Curator of High Line Art in New York. Working closely with Max Mara and Collezione Maramotti, Alemani will select a different country and partner institution for each edition, shaping a flexible framework that reflects local contexts while maintaining an international perspective.

This curatorial model positions the prize as more than an award. It becomes a platform for sustained artistic exchange, encouraging connections between artists, institutions, and audiences across borders.

Indonesia Hosts the Tenth Edition

The tenth edition of the Max Mara Art Prize for Women, spanning 2025 to 2027, will take place in Indonesia in partnership with Museum MACAN in Jakarta. Since its founding in 2017, Museum MACAN has established itself as a key institution in Southeast Asia, presenting ambitious exhibitions and supporting interdisciplinary practices from both Indonesian and international artists.

For this edition, the jury brings together leading voices from the regional and global art scenes, ensuring that the selection process is rooted in local expertise while engaging with broader contemporary discourse.

A Residency Focused on Creation and Growth

At the core of the prize remains its defining element: a six-month residency in Italy organized by Collezione Maramotti. The winning artist is given the time, resources, and space to develop a new body of work, away from the pressures of immediate production and visibility. This project will later be presented through two solo exhibitions, one at the partner institution of the edition and another at Collezione Maramotti in Reggio Emilia.

This structure reflects a long-term vision of artistic development, prioritizing depth, research, and experimentation over short-term exposure.

Expanding a Two-Decade Legacy

The launch of this nomadic format also signals the conclusion of the prize’s historic collaboration with Whitechapel Gallery in London. Over two decades, this partnership played a central role in supporting women artists and shaping the prize’s international reputation. The new direction builds on that legacy by extending its impact to a wider range of cultural landscapes.

A New Vision for Global Contemporary Art

By embracing a travelling model, the Max Mara Art Prize for Women affirms that contemporary artistic innovation exists across cultures and geographies. This new chapter strengthens its role as a catalyst for diversity, equity, and meaningful artistic exchange, while continuing to support women artists through a carefully structured and deeply committed program.

As it enters this global phase, the Max Mara Art Prize for Women remains a singular reference in the contemporary art world, combining institutional rigor, creative ambition, and a clear vision for the future.