News Summary
The Lusophone Calendar Art Contest is set to return, encouraging Rhode Island students aged 5 to 18 to submit artwork for a bilingual calendar. After a pandemic-induced hiatus, this contest marks its 18th edition and aims to celebrate Lusophone cultures through artistic expression. Participants can submit their work by May 23, and winners will be recognized at an award ceremony in June. This initiative promotes creativity and appreciation of heritage among students enrolled in Portuguese language programs across the state.
Providence, Rhode Island – The Lusophone Calendar Art Contest is returning for 2026, inviting students in Rhode Island to showcase their artistic skills after a hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Organized by the Institute for Portuguese and Lusophone World Studies (IPLWS) at Rhode Island College, the contest is held in collaboration with the Day of Portugal and Portuguese Heritage in Rhode Island, Inc.
This year, the contest is open to students aged 5 to 18, and participants are encouraged to submit drawings that will be featured in a bilingual calendar for the year 2026. The contest marks its 18th edition and has a rich history, with over 4,000 students having taken part since its inception in 2004.
Contest Details and Eligibility
Students currently enrolled in Portuguese language and culture classes across public, private, or charter schools, along with those attending community Portuguese schools in Rhode Island, are eligible to participate. Each participant can submit only one piece of artwork, which must be sent to the IPLWS office by May 23, 2025.
For students in grades K-5 (ages 5 to 10), the contest will involve exploring a bilingual picture book provided by IPLWS for their submission. In contrast, students aged 11 to 18 will delve into specific themes curated to reflect age-appropriate and relevant topics within Portuguese language learning.
Encouragement from Educators
Teachers play a pivotal role in the contest by encouraging their students to explore these themes and fostering creativity in their artistic expressions. A panel appointed by the IPLWS Community Advisory Board will judge the entries, and the top three submissions in each age category will be announced as winners.
A Celebration of Lusophone Cultures
The aim of the contest is to deepen students’ understanding of Lusophone cultures and heritage through artistic expression. The Portuguese-speaking world boasts a history of 900 years, with more than 265 million speakers around the globe. This cultural richness provides an engaging backdrop for students to learn and create.
Prizes and Recognition
Winners of the contest will receive a monetary prize for their artistic achievements, and the teachers of these winning entries will also receive a matching award to acquire educational materials. The official award ceremony for the winners will be held in June during the Opening Ceremony of the Day of Portugal at the Rhode Island State House, with the specific date yet to be determined.
Contact Information for Inquiries
For further details regarding the contest rules and submission guidelines, interested participants should contact Dr. Silvia Oliveira via email or phone for assistance.
As the Lutophone Calendar Art Contest returns, it offers Rhode Island students a unique opportunity to engage with their heritage through art, bringing creativity and cultural appreciation to the forefront of their educational experience.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Rhode Island College Suspends Portuguese Concentration
Additional Resources
- Herald News: Lusophone Calendar Art Contest Returns
- Wikipedia: Portuguese Language
- Herald News: International Portuguese Music Awards
- Google Search: Portuguese Music
- Herald News: Institute for Portuguese Lusophone World
- Google Scholar: Lusophone Culture
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Day of Portugal
- Google News: Lusophone Calendar Art Contest
