We are excited to share that preparations are underway for the prestigious Fabriano in Aquarello 2027, the world’s largest international annual watercolour convention! Now in its 17th year, this inspiring event brings together thousands of artists, gallery owners, collectors, brand representatives, and masters of watercolour from around the globe. We’re thrilled to have Southern Africa continue its presence on the Fabriano stage — a truly international celebration of creativity and connection
Held annually in Fabriano and Bologna, Italy, the convention features exhibitions, live demonstrations, workshops, and painting holidays — all celebrating the art of watercolour in a vibrant international setting, represented by 90 countries from around the world. It has become the world’s largest global conference and exhibition dedicated to watercolor on paper.
Due to postage and customs complications the Southern African group participation is via the digital exhibition. This is presented by quality images being continually projected on the big screen in the main auditorium and on strategically placed television screens throughout the exhibition spaces. It also includes represention in the Fabriano catalogue.
There are three options for the event itself; physical [Euros 70], digital [Euros 50] or printing of paintings onto Fabriano paper [Euros 110], but it is important to note that we have to enter as a country group, not individually and the whole group is inclusive and must enter under only one of these options. Each country group must enter a minimum of 11 artists.
To Participate in FabrianoInAcquarello 2027
1;- FABRIANA PLATFORM
Opening a profile on the Platform is compulsory for any participation. This is FREE and is open to any watercolor artist, and this in itself remains a continual PLATFORM DIGITAL EXHIBITION and a DIRECTORY OF ALL WATERCOLOR ARTISTS FROM AROUND THE WORLD. Your profile must include a profile photo of yourself, [ not a painting or your favorite pet], a short bio and you can also upload some of your favorite paintings into the gallery space provided. When you are ready you will then upload your entry for 2027 into the dedicated space. It is advisable to create your profile well in advance to alleviate any last minute complications.
To open a profile or edit your existing profile go to;-
https://www.internationalwatercolormuseum.com/platform
Please note if you already have a profile on the PLATFORM, you do not need to open another, but you can go in and edit your old info.
2;- UPLOADING A PAINTING FOR SELECTION FOR THE EVENT AND CATALOGUE.
Once you have created a profile on THE PLATFORM, to participate in the SELECTION for the event itself and inclusion in the catalogue, you would need to upload a quality photo of your painting,[see details below] in the dedicated space via your profile. This will require an ENTRY FEE OF EUROS 50 on POSITIVE SELECTION. You will still be given the option closer to deadline whether you wish for your painting to be presented for selection. [You can still enjoy having a presence for FREE on the PLATFORM, without being part of the actual physical event, OPTION 1]
For Southern Africa, including South Africa, Tanzania, Malawi, Moçambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Mauritius and Namibia., your representatives are:
Barbi Cunningham – Country Leader
Chris Reid – Administrator
Rules, Processes and How To Enter.
- NB. If you would like to be participate please email Barbi; barbi@watercolorartsa.com or Whattsapp Barbi +265 999911639, so that you can be added to a dedicated Whattsapp group , so that you can access any advice, help on opening a profile, being kept up to date with info and deadlines, discussions etc. All communications are done on this group and to the organisers via your leader and admin.
2. PAINTING FOR SELECTION FOR THE EVENT AND CATALOGUE [uploaded in the dedicated space provided in your PROFILE on THE PLATFORM]
A] 1 entry per person.
B] Medium;-Must be Watercolor on paper
C] Size;- Half Imperial sheet or 56 x 38 cm, can be portrait or landscape.
D] Theme: Any but must be representative of your country.
DEADLINE;- 15th January 2027
3. All selections are done from the FabrianoIn Aquarello Platform;- No Complete Profile , No Selection.
There are restrictions in numbers per country group entry and this will be determined and announced by the organisers closer to deadline, depending on exhibition space and mode of entry of each country. Participation certificates are presented to ALL ARTISTS who enter a painting for the event, irrespective of whether one is selected for the actual event or not, and as long as you have completed a profile on the Platform.
Payment for participation in the event is done as a group and further details are sent once the selection is complete. Payments are collected in SA Rand and sent to the organisers in a lump sum via Paypal,[ no individual payments to the organisation] Due to number restrictions and affordability, closer to deadline, you are given the choice whether you would like your painting to go forward for selection or not.
For further info about the event and rules please go to https://www.internationalwatercolormuseum.com/files/2027-rules
If you have any questions and would like to participate in this top international event please don’t hesitate to contact Barbi Cunningham at barbi@watercolorartsa.com.