On Friday, June 6, 2025, the picturesque Novigrad will once again host artists and art lovers at the 21st edition of the popular Ex Tempore painting competition. This traditional event, which annually attracts numerous creatives enchanted by the photogenic nature and Mediterranean charm of Novigrad - Cittanova, holds special significance this year. It is being held as part of the celebration of the great 40th anniversary of the famous Transadriatica regatta, an event that has nurtured friendly and sporting ties between Novigrad and Venice for decades. For this very reason, the theme of this year's Ex Tempore will be dedicated to the Transadriatica regatta, inviting artists to immortalize with their brushes and colors the dynamic scenes of sailboats, the endless blue of the sea, and the people whose lives are inextricably linked to this prestigious and exciting sport.

Inspiration on canvas: The Transadriatica Regatta as an artistic motif

Participants of this year's Ex Tempore will have a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of sailing and transfer its essence onto canvas. Artistic works are expected to reflect the energy and elegance of sailboats as they glide across the open sea, the power of the wind that fills their sails, as well as the passion and dedication of the sailors. Motifs can include details of the boats themselves, portraits of regatta participants, panoramic views of the race, or intimate moments of life at sea. Novigrad, with its rich maritime tradition and as a long-standing host of the regatta, will provide inexhaustible inspiration. The Transadriatica regatta itself is not just a sports competition; it is a symbol of the connection between the two coasts of the Adriatic, a bridge between the cultures and traditions of Italy and Croatia. Over the decades, this regatta has become more than a race – it has become an event that celebrates friendship, sportsmanship, and the beauty of the Adriatic Sea. The first regatta set off way back in 1985, and it is interesting that it was initially conceived as a night navigation with only one crew member, the so-called "insolitario". Later, for safety reasons, the number of crew members was increased. With the construction of a modern marina in 2012, Novigrad secured capacities for accommodating the ever-increasing number of sailboats participating in the regatta, thereby further strengthening its role as a key point on the Transadriatica route.

Valuable prizes and a distinguished jury

To further encourage creativity and reward artistic effort, the organizers have secured an attractive prize fund. Artists will compete for three cash prizes: the third-placed work will be awarded 500 euros, the second-placed 700 euros, while the winner of the competition, according to the decision of a three-member expert jury, will win an impressive 1,000 euros. The selection of the best works this year will be entrusted to three representatives from the Venetian port Diporto Velico, a club that is one of the co-organizers and bearers of the Transadriatica regatta tradition. Diporto Velico Veneziano, founded in 1950, is a renowned sailing club with a rich history and hundreds of members, which actively promotes sailing and organizes numerous regattas, including the Transadriatica. The awarded paintings will then be presented to the regatta participants, whereby the artworks will become a lasting memory of this sporting and cultural event, further connecting art, sport, and international cooperation.

On-site painting in an inspiring ambiance

The specificity of the Ex Tempore competition lies in the fact that artists create their works on the spot, on the same day the competition is held. This year, the painting competition will take place in the picturesque Park of the Novigrad Diocese. This new location offers artists a unique and inspiring ambiance, with a beautiful view of the sea surface dotted with sailboats arriving from Italy. The Park of the Novigrad Diocese, located in the heart of the old town core, has recently been renovated and enhanced, representing a true green oasis, ideal for artistic creation. It is expected that this beautiful ambiance will further stimulate the imagination of numerous domestic and international artists who regularly respond to this competition. Competitors will have their canvases stamped between 10 and 11 a.m., after which they will set to work. The finished works will be exhibited in the park until 6 p.m., providing visitors with an opportunity to enjoy the freshly created artworks and the diversity of styles and techniques. At 7 p.m., the solemn announcement of the winners and the awarding of valuable cash prizes, provided for this occasion by generous sponsors, will follow. Until the award ceremony itself, all works created at the Ex Tempore will be exhibited, allowing the public to fully experience the artistic pulse of Novigrad.

Historical and cultural context of Novigrad

Novigrad, a city with a rich history dating back to ancient times, is an ideal backdrop for such cultural events. It was founded by the Illyrians, later fell under Roman rule, and became a significant regional center. Traces of this glorious past are visible today, especially in the Lapidarium Museum, which houses valuable stone monuments. Over the centuries, Novigrad was under the rule of Byzantium, the Franks, the Venetians, and Austro-Hungary, and each of these periods left its mark on the city's architecture and culture. The Venetian Republic, which took power in the 13th century, built the recognizable crenellated walls with towers, the bishop's palace, and the bell tower that still dominate the skyline of the old town. In the 6th century, the Diocese of Novigrad was founded, which existed until 1828, testifying to the long ecclesiastical and cultural importance of the city. Today, Novigrad is a charming tourist town that successfully combines its rich heritage with modern amenities, attracting visitors not only with its beauty but also with numerous cultural and sporting events such as Ex Tempore and the Transadriatica regatta.

Continuation of the celebration in the Main Square

After the award ceremony in the Park of the Novigrad Diocese, the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Transadriatica regatta will continue in the nearby Main Square. This central city square, which has also recently undergone a renovation phase, will come alive with an appropriate entertainment and gastronomic program. Visitors and participants will be able to enjoy local specialties, Istrian wines, and music, celebrating this great jubilee together. The organizers cordially invite all participants of the painting competition to join this festivity and be part of a celebration that combines art, sport, tradition, and the hospitality of Novigrad. The Main Square, with its historical architecture and lively atmosphere, will be the perfect place to end a day filled with creativity and sporting excitement, further confirming the reputation of Novigrad as a city that lives life to the fullest.