We are pleased to announce the 5th anniversary edition of the visual arts event Ex Tempore Kraljevica – The Lantern Awakens… This international Ex Tempore event (Latin: without preparation) is a visual arts gathering and competition that will take place with pride for the Town of Kraljevica and the wider community at Nova Kraljevica – Frankopan Castle on Sunday, 13 September 2026, starting at 10:00 AM.

The aim of this artistic event is to promote visual arts culture and bring together both young and older painting enthusiasts, not only from Kraljevica but from all parts of Croatia and abroad. It is an occasion where visitors can witness the creation of artworks on site, inspired by the beauty and heritage of our region, and where the artworks may also be purchased. In this way, we further enrich Kraljevica’s tourism offer while continuing to develop a traditional event that attracts numerous visitors each year, particularly thanks to its unique setting within the magnificent castle.
Participation is free of charge, and the organisers will provide all participants with a chair, a sandwich, and a bottle of water.

Participants may register in the following categories: children in grades 1–4 of primary school, children in grades 5–8 of primary school, and adults (from the first year of secondary school onwards), divided into: amateur and professional category. Registration will take place on the day of the event at the castle, from 10:00 AM untill noon, in the Multimedia Hall. The announcement of winners and prize-giving ceremony will be held at 2:00 PM for children’s categories, and 6:00 PM for adult categories.

Only artworks created on site during the event will be evaluated and eligible for awards. The painting theme is open, but it should be connected to local heritage, traditions, or distinctive features of the area, which we believe offers a broad and inspiring framework for participants. Participants are free to choose the format, materials, and artistic media they wish to use. It is mandatory to protect the surfaces on which painting takes place in order to prevent damage to the castle’s floors and walls. Participants are also welcome to bring previously created artworks. These works will not be judged but may be displayed as part of each artist’s presentation, creating an additional exhibition that will further enrich the event space.

The best artworks will be evaluated by an expert jury consisting of: Bojana Cvejić Zagorc (Master of Fine Arts, Slovenia), Nenad Petronio (Painter, Croatia), and Ivan Tomečak (Academic Painter, Croatia).

Cash prizes and valuable awards provided by esteemed sponsors, organisers, and patrons have been prepared for the winning works. The first prize in the Professional Category (Best Overall Ex Tempore Artwork) will receive a cash award of €700.00 (sponsored by the Kraljevica Tourist Board and the City of Kraljevica). The first prize in the Amateur Category will receive a cash award of €300.00 (sponsored by Vodogradnja Rijeka d.o.o.). The sponsors will retain ownership of the winning artworks. Additional prize sponsors include: Zvončica Kraljevica, Painting Atelier Tomečak, Fran Krsto Frankopan Tavern, Na Piketu Bistro & Pizzeria, Pavlomir Wine House, Lotus Hair Salon Šmrika, and Captain Hook Lounge Bar.

The afternoon programme will also feature a musical performance by singer Alen Polić, who will perform his own songs as well as “Kartulina z’ Kraljevice”, written by Toni Kljaković and Tomislav Borić. It is from a verse of this song – …the lantern awakens… – that the Kraljevica Ex Tempore takes its name.

The event is organised by the Kraljevica Tourist Board, the Atelier Tomečak Art Association, and academic painter Ivan Tomečak, the initiator and creative founder of the event, with the support of the City of Kraljevica.

All award-winning artworks from this year’s anniversary edition of Ex Tempore Kraljevica will be displayed at a joint exhibition in the Multimedia Hall of the castle for two weeks following the event. The exhibition will be open on weekdays, allowing visitors to view the artworks even after the event itself has concluded.

Contact and additional information: info@visitkraljevica.hr / atelier.tomecak@gmail.com