The 21st edition of the Premio New York has selected its two new awardees: Binta Diaw (1995, Cernusco sul Naviglio) and Sara Ravelli (1993, Crema). Both artists will take part in a five-month residency in New York – scheduled from February to June 2026 – designed to support emerging Italian talent working in contemporary visual arts.
The program is promoted by Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Ministry of Culture, the Italian Cultural Institute in New York, and the Italian Academy for Advanced Studies in America at Columbia University.
Throughout their stay, Diaw and Ravelli will focus on developing new projects while engaging with New York’s broad artistic ecosystem. They will be able to participate in the activities organized by the Italian Cultural Institute and the Italian Academy, and they may also sit in on selected courses at Columbia University as auditors – from art history and architecture to visual studies and film interpretation. Exposure to New York’s museums, galleries, and independent spaces will form a key part of their experience, offering opportunities to connect with curators, critics, and fellow artists from around the world.
At the conclusion of the residency, the two awardees will present a public exhibition showcasing the work created during their time in the city. The final show is expected to be hosted in the exhibition spaces of the Elizabeth Foundation for the Arts (EFA) in Manhattan or in comparable venues located in Manhattan or Brooklyn. This closing moment traditionally serves as an important step for recipients to introduce their research and practice to an international audience.
The Premio New York is considered the longest-running public residency program dedicated to emerging Italian visual artists. Each year, it offers two creatives the chance to experience New York’s cultural landscape first-hand – a period that often proves pivotal for artistic growth. The residency combines studio support, academic resources, and immersion in one of the world’s most dynamic art capitals. For many young artists, it becomes a springboard toward future collaborations, exhibitions, and professional opportunities both in Italy and abroad.
