Sedicesima edizione Festival dell'Immagine

The beauty, inspiration, and emotion of art will once again illuminate the halls of the Ducal Palace in Martina Franca. From November 15 to 22, 2026, the sixteenth edition of the Festival dell’Immagine will take place. It is one of the area’s most eagerly awaited cultural events and is held under the patronage of the Department of Cultural Activities and Entertainment of the Municipality of Martina Franca. The Festival was created by the Riflessi d’Arte Association to celebrate visual talent in all its forms. This year’s edition focuses on a theme of universal and timeless appeal: “LIGHT.”

The Festival’s call for entries generated a remarkable response, demonstrating the artists’ great affection and enthusiasm: 161 submissions were received. Following a careful and passionate evaluation process, the jury selected 107 works for the rich 2026 exhibition, comprising 74 paintings, 20 photographs, and 13 sculptures.

To complete and enrich the exhibition route, three artists whose works are not part of the competition will have a special space entirely dedicated to their work in a Special Expo. As in previous editions, the program is packed with interesting events, beginning with the opening ceremony, which will take place on Sunday, November 15 at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber of the Ducal Palace, in the presence of local authorities, the competition judges, the Jury President, attorney Michele Punzi, Artistic Director Tonio Cantore, and Dr. Giuliana Scialpi and Dr. Cira Catucci. The event’s special guest of honor will be actress, showgirl, and pop artist Nathaly Caldonazzo, who will cut the inaugural ribbon and greet the audience.

The evening will be hosted by journalists Evelina Romanelli and Michele Lillo and will feature a performance by the Chorègraphie dance school of Antonella Chirulli, as well as the “Photobooth – Rispecchio,” offering visitors the chance to take home a keepsake photo.

Throughout the week, the Festival will offer a full schedule of workshops, conferences, and performances:

• Monday, November 16 (5:30–8:00 p.m.): Experiential art therapy workshop, “When the Light Enters,” led by Dr. Benedetta Buonincontri.
• Wednesday, November 18 (6:00 p.m.): Conference-workshop “CARAVAGGIO – The Secret of Light,” presented by Master Artist Francesco Zefferino, including a live demonstration of Merisi’s painting technique. (Free admission by reservation at 328.3422272.)
• Thursday, November 19 (6:00–8:00 p.m.): The event “From Gold to Neon – When Light Becomes a Painting,” led by art historian Dr. Giuliana Scialpi, taking the audience on a journey from sacred art to contemporary art.
• Friday, November 20 (6:00–8:00 p.m.): Photography event “From the Shot to the Vision” with Fine Art photographer Giovanna Griffo.
• Saturday, November 21 (6:00–9:00 p.m.): At Casa delle Arti (8 Via Arco Casavola), the theatrical performance “Monet’s Dawn. Light in the Moment,” presented by the Riflessi d’Arte group. (Free immersive admission every 30 minutes.) Directed by Elina Semeraro.
• Sunday, November 22 (11:00 a.m.): A thematic discussion on light with art critic and historian Dr. Mattea Micello.

The Festival will conclude on Sunday, November 22 at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber of the Ducal Palace with the official awards ceremony. The ceremony will be hosted by Vita d’Amico. The evening will be attended by the jury, Dr. Mattea Micello, and local authorities, and will feature musical performances by Grazia D’Aversa and Egidio Cofano. The event and its social media livestream will be produced by Cinzia Cofano and Tony Vinci for Valleditrialivechannel.

**Information and Contacts:**

• Venue: Ducal Palace of Martina Franca (TA)
• Dates: November 15–22, 2026
• Caravaggio workshop reservations (WhatsApp): 328.3422272
Web: www.festivaldellimmagine.it