“This is the first edition to be held, intended as a biennial project that unites the Manuel Cargaleiro Foundation with the Faculty of Fine Arts of the University of Lisbon (FBAUL) and the Municipality of Castelo Branco,” explained the president of the Manuel Cargaleiro Foundation.
The launch event took place in Lisbon during a presentation session as part of FBAUL’s anniversary celebrations.
Gonçalo Garcia Magano stated that the decision was made last year to promote contemporary artistic creation.
“The foundation’s legacy is to protect, preserve, and publicize the art of Master Cargaleiro, but the master has always been very close to young artists,” he said.
According to the foundation president, the awards include three categories: Revelation Prize, Cargaleiro Prize, and Research Prize.
The Revelation Prize is exclusively for young artists enrolled in a higher artistic education institution.
“Although FBAUL is the organizing partner, the prize is national, and any student enrolled in a higher artistic education institution can apply,” he explained.
Gonçalo Garcia Magano noted that the winner will have their entire study cycle funded, that is, “a scholarship covering the entire undergraduate or master’s degree.”
Meanwhile, the second and third place winners will have the entire academic year they are attending paid for.
The Cargaleiro Prize is open to all artists and challenges them to reinterpret the master’s work, “a tribute or something inspired by the colors or shapes.”
This category awards the winner a financial amount of five thousand euros.
Finally, the Research Prize aims to recognize works in the fields of art history, curatorship, museology, criticism, conservation, and restoration that relate to and promote research on the work of Master Cargaleiro.
“In essence, these are theoretical, academic works, with the prize for first place being the publication of the study. The foundation will fund the publication of this study,” explained Gonçalo Garcia Magano.
There will also be honorable mentions for the Cargaleiro awards, with the jury appointed by the foundation and FBAUL comprising three renowned figures in the field of visual arts: Alexandre Farto (aka Vhils), Sandra Vieira Jürgens (curator of the State’s Contemporary Art Collection), and Graça Morais (visual artist).
According to the foundation director, artists can submit their proposals until February 15, 2026, and by the end of March, the jury will select the 20 finalists.
Subsequently, the works of these finalists will be included in an exhibition promoted by the foundation at the Cargaleiro Museum in Castelo Branco in September.
The winners will be announced on October 24, 2026, on Fine Arts Day.
“There will be a grand award ceremony for the Cargaleiro Prizes. A catalog featuring all the finalists participating in the exhibition will be launched. The intention is to hold a major exhibition and publish a catalog every two years,” said the Manuel Cargaleiro Foundation representative.
Applications for the first edition of the Manuel Cargaleiro Prizes are open from today until February 28, 2026, exclusively through the foundation’s new official website (www.fundacaomanuelcargaleiro.pt).
Founded in 1990 by Manuel Cargaleiro, the foundation is a public utility institution dedicated to the appreciation, study, and dissemination of art and culture.
Its central mission is to preserve and promote the vast artistic heritage of its founder, ensuring the creation, organization, and management of the Cargaleiro Museum in Castelo Branco.
Currently, as a result of a partnership with the Municipality of Castelo Branco, the foundation is located in the heart of the city’s historic center.
