Art at the service of life: they launch contest to sensitize teenagers and young people

The second edition of Painting contest “Art for life”under the motto “Let me born, let me shine”, seeks to be a means of “expression and reflection” to raise awareness among adolescents and young people in the importance of defense of life.

The contest is organized by Gabriel Projectpart of the Archdiocesan pastoral of the life of the archdiocese of Guatemala, and has three categories: one for teenagers, from 12 to 14 years; another for youth, from 15 to 17; and a third for university students, from 18 to 25 years. The works will be received until August 24

The best works will be exhibited from September 24 to 28 and among the awards are iPads, art classes, cash, vouchers and technological articles.

As explained in a statement shared with ACI Prensa A talk with Matthewwhich presents “the moving encounter of a journalist with an unborn child, whose voice and memories carry a message of forgiveness, love and reflection on the value of each life from their conception.”

“The story, loaded with humanity, shows how decisions can transform destinations and how it is always possible to choose hope,” add the organizers.

“Sensitize and educate youth”

In statements to ACI Press, Scarlett de De León, coordinator of the Gabriel Guatemala project volunteer, and Ana Calderón, art coordinator for the life of Gabriel project, explained that the contest “was born with the purpose of sensitizing and educating youth about the value of life from conception, using art as a powerful means of expression and reflection”.

“Since its first edition, the contest has grown in scope and quality: we have achieved greater participation of young people of different ages, we strengthen the methodology of selection of works and add strategic alliances with public and private institutions,” they said.

“Today, it is not only an artistic space, but also a training and awareness platform,” they added.

Both coordinators stressed that they seek among young people “awakening awareness, encouraging empathy and giving them tools to become spokesmen of a message of hope and support for life.”

“In the community, we aspire to open spaces for dialogue and reflection that strengthen the culture of respect and solidarity towards pregnant women in vulnerability.”

“Our goal is that the works are not only appreciated for their artistic value, but also are change catalysts,” they said.

“Direct support” for the aid to pregnant women

Scarlett de De León and Ana Calderón stressed that this painting contest is also “a direct support route to the Gabriel project, an organization that accompanies pregnant women in crisis with emotional, psychological and health care”.

“The funds are mainly collected through sponsorships, donations, participation of young people and the exhibition/sale of the works,” they said, highlighting that “the contest also allows to make visible and position Gabriel project and with it, obtain more funds.”

With the various project activities, they said, it aims to finance the “comprehensive care for dozens of women, preventing them from resorting to abortion for lack of support, and ensuring that they and their babies have a decent and safe start”.

Both assured that among the dreams of those who organize this contest is the one that becomes “a national reference of art with purpose, expanding participation nationwide and incorporating new categories such as digital art and community muralism.”

“We also plan to strengthen the training program for participants, with previous workshops and artistic mentoring. In the social field, we aspire to double the funds collected to expand the coverage of support for pregnant women in crisis, integrating more strategic allies and achieving a sustainable impact on the community,” they said.