Museo Novecento Firenze Launches WONDERFUL! Prize for Under-40 Artists

The Museo Novecento in Florence has announced WONDERFUL!, a new prize supporting Italian artists and collectives under 40. Promoted by the Florence City Council's Department of Culture in collaboration with MUS.E and realized with Publiacqua, the open call will be published on the museum's website in December 2020. Twelve artists will be preselected by the museum's scientific team and an external expert commission. The final jury, composed entirely of women—a museum director, a gallery director, a freelance curator, and a collector—will choose four winners, each receiving €5,000. Director Sergio Risaliti emphasized the need for tangible support for young artists amid the pandemic, noting that many artists have expressed hardship. Councillor for Culture Tommaso Sacchi stated the city will always stand by talented artists needing economic help. Separately, the museum has lit the installation "Siamo con voi nella notte" by the collective Claire Fontaine (Fulvia Carnevale and James Thornhill) on its facade, part of the F-light – Florence Light Festival. The work, inspired by 1970s murals for political prisoners, now metaphorically addresses isolation and uncertainty. It will be on view until March 11, 2021.