Organizer Information
Fábrica das Histórias – Casa Jaime Umbelino (FH-CJU), under the auspices of the Câmara Municipal de Torres Vedras, serves as a vibrant cultural hub dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich heritage of illustration and storytelling in Portugal. Established as a museum and creative space in the historic town of Torres Vedras, it houses an extensive collection of works by renowned illustrator Jaime Umbelino and hosts biennial contests to invigorate the local arts scene. By bridging illustrators, students, and the community's cultural legacy, FH-CJU fosters innovative artistic expression tied to regional identity, while aligning with broader goals like the UN Sustainable Development Objectives. This well-regarded platform has become a cornerstone for emerging talents in the Oeste region, encouraging dialogue between tradition and contemporary themes, and ensuring accessibility for diverse audiences, including those with mobility needs. Through events like this contest, it not only curates exhibitions but also builds a lasting archive of visual narratives that reflect societal evolution.
Title & Description
3.º Concurso de Ilustração | Transformação – 3rd Illustration Contest | Transformation
This biennial contest beckons illustrators to delve into the evocative theme of "Transformation," exploring personal, societal, or environmental shifts through compelling visual narratives. The purpose is threefold: to elevate illustration as a vital artistic discipline, to connect creators and students with Torres Vedras' cultural heritage, and to generate fresh, thematic content that resonates locally and beyond. Participants craft original illustrations that interpret transformation in innovative ways—be it metamorphosis in nature, cultural renewal, or individual growth—using free techniques on paper or high-quality digital prints. Selected works will enrich the FH-CJU's collection and feature in a public exhibition, offering artists a platform to provoke thought, inspire dialogue, and contribute to a collective story of change in an increasingly dynamic world.
Categories
- Illustration (multidisciplinary approaches, encompassing traditional drawing, painting, collage, or digital techniques, executed on paper or as quality prints)
Eligibility
Open to adult illustrators (aged 18 and over) working professionally in the field, as well as secondary school students enrolled in schools within the municipalities of the Comunidade Intermunicipal do Oeste (OesteCIM): Alcobaça, Alenquer, Arruda dos Vinhos, Bombarral, Cadaval, Caldas da Rainha, Lourinhã, Nazaré, Óbidos, Peniche, Sobral de Monte Agraço, and Torres Vedras. No nationality restrictions are specified, but participation is geographically limited to residents or students in these Portuguese municipalities. Emerging and established artists are welcome; schools may submit on behalf of students with appropriate copyright declarations.
Program Benefits & Awards
Professional illustrators vie for cash prizes: €1,500 for 1st place and €500 for 2nd, with all selected works joining the FH-CJU's permanent artistic collection for enduring legacy and potential future loans or publications. Secondary students receive educational boosts—€200 in books and materials for 1st place, €150 for 2nd—nurturing young talents with resources for culture and recreation. All 25 top-scoring illustrations gain prominent exhibition exposure at FH-CJU from April 11 to July 31, 2026, reaching local audiences and visitors in a fully accessible venue. This opportunity not only validates artistic merit through jury acclaim but also amplifies visibility within Portugal's illustration community, fostering networking and inspiration for future projects aligned with sustainable development themes.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- One original illustration per applicant, strictly adhering to size and orientation: A3 (297 x 420 mm, horizontal) for professionals; A4 (210 x 297 mm, horizontal) for students.
- Digital uploads as JPEG files at 300 dpi resolution; physical submissions on quality paper (digital prints accepted if printed).
- Anonymous submission: Works identified only by a process number on the back (no visible artist info on front).
- For students: School-submitted copyright declaration form (downloadable from the site).
- Accompanying details: Applicant info (name, contact, category) provided separately via form or delivery note.
All works must align with the "Transformation" theme, emphasizing originality, execution quality, and thematic relevance; no identification marks on the visible side to ensure blind jury review.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 9 January 2026
- Notification Date: 27 February 2026
- Exhibition Period: April 11 – July 31, 2026
Location
Torres Vedras, Portugal
Additional Details
The jury—comprising esteemed illustrators André Letria, Margarida Prieto (Ema M), Olga Neves, Patrícia Sobreiro, and coordinator Goretti Cascalheira—will evaluate entries blindly on theme adherence, technical execution, and originality, selecting the top 25 for exhibition. Physical deliveries require registered mail with acknowledgment to track arrival. The event is free and open to the public, contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals through cultural promotion. Download the student copyright form here: http://www.cm-tvedras.pt/assets/upload/paginas/2025/11/19/2-declara-diretautor-ee-escola26/2-declara-diretautor-ee-escola26.pdf. Contact for support: +351 261 320 738 or +351 261 315 428; email fabricadashistorias@cm-tvedras.pt (inquiries until January 9, 2026). This contest not only celebrates transformation in art but also strengthens community ties to heritage, inviting creators to weave personal visions into Torres Vedras' evolving cultural tapestry.