Carnival Biennale Mask

Exploring Identity, Mask, and Truth through Art

Carnival Biennale Mask project

A Space Gallery, Venice
In with the Venice Biennales

A curatorial project in between the masks we wear and the truths we seek
Season: November – May (between Biennale editions)

Carnival Biennale Mask is a curatorial project unfolding during the off-season between official Biennale editions — from November to May — when Venice, freed from the crowds, becomes a more introspective city. The silence deepens, the fog thickens, and the stage is set for artistic experimentation that transcends spectacle.

Rooted in the symbolism of the carnival mask, the project invites artists to engage not with disguise, but with transformation. The mask here is not concealment — it is a portal to truth, a symbol of the multiplicity of selves, and a challenge to fixed identity.

Launched in 2024/2025, Carnival Biennale Mask offers a space between inward reflection and outward theatricality — a season where art becomes both ritual and revelation. Just as the carnival invites us to explore extremes — from solemnity to ecstasy, silence to noise, vulnerability to exuberance — this project invites artists to embrace the full emotional and creative spectrum.

The gallery becomes a site of alchemy. Roles may reverse, identities may blur, authorship may dissolve — what remains is the essence of expression.

What makes this project unique?

🎭 Full spectrum of expression
From inner silence to carnivalesque excess — a space for emotional range and artistic truth.

🌀 Thematic depth
The mask as symbol, challenge, and medium — from cultural rituals to personal transformation.

🔄 Curatorial freedom
Artists may subvert structures, create collectively, or exhibit anonymously.

✨ Radical authenticity
We favor honesty over polish, risk over safety, and process over product.

The first edition featured solo and group exhibitions, anonymous artworks, performative rituals, and curatorial reversals. Each edition evolves organically — inviting artists, curators, and thinkers who are ready to engage deeply, shed illusions, and create beyond convention.

Carnival Biennale Mask is a portal, a playground, and a mirror — a space where art doesn’t wear a mask to hide, but to reveal what lies underneath.

Why Participate?

Reasons to join

the Carnival Biennale Mask project

🎭 Art Beyond the Mask

Join a project that uses the metaphor of the carnival mask to explore identity, authenticity, and illusion in contemporary art. Here, art becomes both mirror and disguise — a tool for truth and transformation.

🔥 From Inner Silence to Spectacle

Carnival Biennale Mask unfolds between seasons of silence and explosion — from introspective winter to the vivid pulse of Venetian carnival. This is the space where inner voice meets bold expression.

🌍 Visibility in the Heart of Venice

Exhibit your work in an intimate gallery space near the Biennale — and be part of a project that speaks to both Venetian tradition and international innovation.

💡 Creative Freedom & Experimentation

The project encourages artists to cross disciplines and genres. Painting, performance, installation, poetry, sound — all are welcome in this open and evolving narrative.

🌀 A Journey Through Layers of Self

Each edition of Carnival Biennale Mask invites artists to unmask themselves — or create new ones. It's a space for ritual, symbolism and transformation.

Ways to Participate

Explore how you can become part of the HOMANITY project.

▶️ Solo Show (5–30 days) Present your work as an independent exhibition within the curatorial framework of the Carnival Biennale Mask project in Venice. 📍 Location: A Space Gallery, Venice 📝 Application fee: €100 (non-refundable) 💶 Participation costs (partial contribution): The following rates represent approximately 50% of the total production cost. The remaining part is covered by the organizer. 5 days: €1500 7 days: €1900 14 days: €2500 21 days: €3800 30 days: €5000 🎨 Optional: Organizational assistance & vernissage support – €1000 🔍 Selection Criteria All solo exhibitions are selected based on a careful curatorial evaluation of the artistic quality and relevance to the themes of the Carnival Biennale Mask project We aim to ensure that each presentation resonates with the spirit of the project, while also maintaining the artist’s full creative autonomy. ⚠️ Important: Due to limited availability, applications will be reviewed in order of submission. We recommend applying early to secure a preferred timeframe.

▶️ Group Exhibition (1–3 works) Participate in a curated group show as part of the Carnival Biennale Mask project. 📍 Location: A Space Gallery, Venice 📝 Application fee: €100 (non-refundable) 💶 Participation fee (per work): 1 work: €300 2 works: €550 3 works: €750 🎨 The fee includes exhibition space, curatorial guidance, coordination of installation, and presence in gallery materials. 🔍 Selection Criteria Each work will be selected based on artistic quality and coherence with the Carnival Biennale Mask project . Group exhibitions are designed to showcase diverse voices and highlight important perspectives on the mask, identity, personal voice and transformation. ⚠️ Important: Limited number of works will be accepted. First come, first reviewed. Early submission is highly recommended.

▶️ Text / Installation / Object Contribution Contribute your idea, reflection, or small installation as part of the evolving exhibition. 📍 Displayed as part of the central installation or narrative wall. 💶 Cost: €150 📝 Application fee: €100 This format is ideal for writers, poets, theorists, or conceptual artists.

▶️ Research / Collaboration Are you an artist, theorist, urbanist, philosopher, or activist? Join the project through temporary residence, lecture, or collaborative event. 💶 Custom offer based on scope and duration. 📝 Application fee: €100 Let us know your idea and how it relates to the Carnival Biennale Mask project

Regulations & Terms of Participation

Project: Carnival Biennale Mask

Location: A Space Gallery, Venice

Duration: November 2025 - May 2026

1. General Rules of Participation

The Carnival Biennale Mask project is open to visual artists, architects, researchers, and creators working with text, installation, sound, or conceptual forms.
Applications are open internationally. There is no age or nationality restriction.
All applicants are expected to present original work that aligns conceptually or poetically with the Carnival Biennale Mask project and its curatorial vision.

2. Application Process

Applicants must fill out the application form available at www.castelloart.com.
An application fee of €100 applies to all categories and is non-refundable.
Submissions are reviewed by the curatorial team based on artistic quality and coherence with the project’s themes.
In case of a high number of applications, priority will be given based on the order of confirmed registrations (including payment).

3. Exhibition Conditions

Exhibitions are presented within the Carnival Biennale Mask framework but retain the independence and identity of each creator.
Participation fees partially cover the organizational costs. The remaining costs are supported by A Space Gallery as part of its curatorial commitment.
The base participation fees are as follows:

Solo Shows

5 days: €1500
7 days: €1900
14 days: €2500
21 days: €3800
30 days: €5000
➡ Optional support with organization and vernissage: €1000 per week

Group Exhibition

Based on number and size of artworks submitted. Contact us for pricing.

Competitions & Special Calls

Artists may submit works for thematic competitions.
A 40% commission applies to all sales facilitated by the gallery during exhibitions, competitions or shared representation.
No commission applies when artists manage their own sales during solo exhibitions.

4. Technical & Logistical Responsibilities

Participants are responsible for:
- Transport, packaging, and insurance of their works.
- Installation and de-installation (unless additional services are agreed).
The gallery provides:
- 40 m² exhibition space with storefront access.
- Basic lighting and electricity.

5. Timeline & Payment

Selected participants will receive a participation agreement with payment details.
To confirm the reservation, a 30% deposit is required upon signing.
The remaining balance is due no later than 14 days before the start of the exhibition.
In case of cancellation after confirmation, the deposit is non-refundable.

6. Legal & Insurance

The gallery holds civil liability insurance for the space but is not liable for damage or loss of artworks.
Artists are strongly advised to arrange their own insurance coverage.
By participating, artists grant A Space Gallery the right to document and use visuals of the exhibition for promotional and archival purposes.

7. Special Note on Curatorial Coherence

All participants are encouraged to refer to the central theme of the Carnival Biennale Mask project, whether through concept, material, or symbolic gesture.
We believe in openness and poetic interpretation. Even the simplest artistic statement can enrich the shared reflection on what it means to redefine home, space, and belonging.

Carnival Biennale Mask