A long-term project dedicated to supporting young female artists in Romania.

P.E.V.A. aims to encourage the development of emerging female voices by providing them with opportunities and resources to enhance their creative potential and contribute to the growth of the contemporary art scene, while also honouring and preserving the legacy of Ecaterina Vrana, a significant figure in post-communist Romanian art.

Ecaterina Vrana (1969–2019) significantly contributed to contemporary national art. She graduated from the Academy of Arts in Bucharest under the guidance of Professor Sorin Ilfoveanu. Ecaterina Vrana's career began with an exhibition at the University of Freiburg in 1993, including numerous solo and group exhibitions in Europe and North America. Her work continues to inspire and influence new generations of artists.

Each year, the project’s board selects three outstanding female visual artists from the participants of the DIPLOMA festival. Two winners come from the painting section, and one is chosen from the graphic arts section. All winners receive financial support and a one-year studio space. Additionally, the first-place winner will be offered a solo exhibition at Mobius Gallery, guided by its curatorial team.

Initiated by the Kontakt Association and Mobius Gallery, the project is empowered by UniCredit Bank and Voxility, organised together with the DIPLOMA festival, the Museum of Recent Art, and Scânteia Studios.

About P.E.V.A. from the 2025 jury

  • “Whenever I think of Ecaterina Vrana, I think of that crisp white she so often used, and of that blue border that evokes the Black Sea, which was so dear to her. To me, that bright white and deep blue naturally bring to mind ideas of freedom, strength, and beauty. For young women artists at the beginning of their careers, I believe this award is, and will continue to become, more and more important with each passing year.”

    Liviana Dan, Curator and member of the 2025 P.E.V.A. jury

  • “For me, both as a cultural journalist and as an ordinary viewer, it is very important that the voices of all artists be known and heard. However, when it comes to women, to female artists, their voices have been silenced or reduced to stereotypes for far too long. That is why the mirror they can hold up to us today feels not only important, but vital for our growth as a society.”

    Mihaela Dedeoglu, Cultural journalist and member of the 2025 P.E.V.A. jury

  • “The Romanian art scene offers new perspectives and dynamism. For an artist, it is essential to believe in their own ideas and translate them through art, telling stories about the world they live in. With faith in each individual’s direction, emerging voices can have a say in Romanian contemporary art.”

    Norbert Filep, Artist and member of the 2025 P.E.V.A. jury