The National Secretariat of Culture (SNC) opened applications for the 2026 National Cultural Journalism Competition. This new initiative recognises cultural journalism and encourages students to create new work. Applications remain open until 30 September 2026. Participants can enter individually or in teams of up to three people.
The competition welcomes journalists, communicators, independent producers and content creators across Paraguay. However, applicants do not need professional qualifications or journalism accreditation. Participants must be at least 18 years old. They must also hold Paraguayan citizenship or reside in Paraguay.
Four categories for cultural journalism
The competition features four categories covering written journalism and other media formats. First, the Written Journalism category accepts published cultural work from January 2025 through July 2026. Eligible entries include chronicles, reviews, profiles and cultural reports.
Meanwhile, the Other Formats category covers published or broadcast cultural journalism. Entries can include podcasts, documentaries, radio programmes, television segments and multimedia projects. Digital series, newsletters and transmedia productions also qualify for consideration.
Students have two dedicated categories within the competition. Student Written Journalism accepts unpublished chronicles, reviews, profiles and cultural reports. Similarly, Student Journalism in Other Formats accepts original audiovisual, audio, digital, multimedia or transmedia productions.
Awards recognise cultural storytelling
The journalism competition offers financial awards across all four categories. Three winning works in each professional category receive ₲3 million (approximately US$510). Therefore, Written Journalism and Other Formats each have three available prizes. Each student category offers one ₲1 million (approximately US$170) prize.
In addition, selected works receive certificates and promotion through the SNC’s official channels. The awards therefore recognise existing cultural journalism and encourage students to develop original projects. Together, the categories create opportunities for established and emerging cultural storytellers.
Stories can explore Paraguay’s culture
Entries must focus on themes connected with Paraguayan culture and cultural life. These themes include traditional gastronomy, cultural centres, heritage, art and cultural industries. The journalism competition also welcomes work about cultural professionalisation and knowledge production.
Furthermore, participants can explore the cultural rights of Indigenous Peoples and other relevant subjects. This broad scope allows journalists to examine culture through different communities, practices and forms of expression. The competition aims to showcase the diversity of Paraguay’s culture.
Applications remain open until September
The SNC launched the competition as part of the development of the National Culture Plan 2050. The initiative also involves the Ministry of Information and Communication Technologies, the Sindicato de Periodistas del Paraguay (Paraguayan Journalists’ Union) and Asociación de Comunicadores Red Activa Paraguay (Red Activa Paraguay Communicators’ Association).
Applicants must submit their entries online through the SNC’s platform by 30 September 2026. The organisation plans to review eligibility during October before the jury evaluates submissions. Final selections are expected in November, with the awards ceremony scheduled for the third week of the month.
Students entering the final two categories must provide proof of their student status. Additionally, current Paraguayan state employees and contractors cannot participate. Jury members and people directly involved in organising the competition are also excluded.
The journalism competition offers a new platform for cultural journalism across Paraguay. At the same time, students receive an opportunity to introduce fresh perspectives. Through written, audiovisual and digital storytelling, participants can bring Paraguayan culture to the world.
Also read: Narrator And Filmmaker Hugo Giménez And The Future Of Paraguayan Cinema.
