The third edition of the ASSESTA/IP2N4-Arte Literary and Illustration Award for Children and Youth is now open for entries until January 30, 2026, focusing on the theme “The Value of Peace – The Value of Peace in Individual Life, at School, in the Community, and in the World,” announced the organizing body today.
The event is organized by ASSESTA – Association of Writers of Alentejo and IP2N4 – Art – Association of Artists of Alentejo.
Participants are invited to submit works related to peace, reflecting “on the importance of this fundamental value in building a fairer, more inclusive, and supportive society,” according to the organization.
For this third edition, “students from all school groups, non-grouped schools, and professional schools from municipalities belonging to the Intermunicipal Community of Baixo Alentejo (CIMBAL)” may apply, which includes 13 of the 14 municipalities in the Beja district (excluding Odemira).
Therefore, applications are open to students from the municipalities of Aljustrel, Almodôvar, Alvito, Barrancos, Beja, Castro Verde, Cuba, Ferreira do Alentejo, Mértola, Moura, Ourique, Serpa, and Vidigueira.
Participants must be attending the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd cycle or secondary education in their respective schools.
Submissions will be accepted until January 30, 2026, although the announcement of the results has yet to be scheduled by the organizers.
The award arises from a partnership with CIMBAL and is awarded by the Intermunicipal Education Network of Baixo Alentejo.
The competition aims “to encourage an interest in writing and illustration while simultaneously promoting and enhancing the Portuguese language and visual arts,” according to the organizers.
It also seeks to encourage “artistic creation, focusing on themes related to the territory, culture, and identity of Alentejo as well as other more global topics.”
The ASSESTA/1P2N4-Art Literary and Illustration Award for Children and Youth is part of the + Sucesso Educativo project in Baixo Alentejo II, funded by the regional operational program Alentejo 2030.
