A new nationwide educational and artistic initiative is inviting schoolchildren across Paraguay to transform their imagination into something far beyond the classroom, as art, identity, and space exploration converge in an unprecedented project with international reach. Registrations officially opened for We Are Dreamers Together, a school-based drawing competition that will culminate in the creation of a Paraguayan-designed space suit incorporating children’s artwork and cultural identity. The initiative will involve students from 1st to 9th grade across the country, working in pairs to encourage collaboration and teamwork.
Behind the project is Paraguayan educator María Inés Vera (40), who traces its origins back to a classroom activity that unexpectedly opened an international collaboration.
From a classroom project to space
“It all started in 2022, when we were working on a class project related to the Moon and its phases,” Vera recalls. “I wrote to former astronaut Nicole Stott asking for a message for my students, and that is where everything began. Instead of just sending a message, she asked me to collaborate with her on a project. And that is how we began working annually, creating projects together that connect children with space.”
Since then, the collaboration has expanded into international artistic initiatives, including postcards sent to space and contributions integrated into space suits created with children from different countries. Now, Paraguay takes centre stage in a project that blends national identity with global exploration.
Paraguayan space suit shaped by children’s creativity
“This year, we have the opportunity to create an exclusive Paraguayan space suit. In that suit, we will include not only the children’s drawings, but also elements that represent our identity: the Paraguayan flag, ñandutí, and everything that symbolises Paraguay captured on fabric. We are inviting all children who want to be part of this experience. They will register, submit their drawings, and enter a selection process that begins in July.”
Registration, selection, and participation process
According to the official framework, registrations opened on 10 May, and drawings will be accepted until 10 July 2026. A participation fee of ₲120,000 (approximately US$20) per pair includes official registration, certificates for both students, stickers, artistic evaluation, and inclusion in the national selection process, as well as visibility through the project’s social media platforms. From July onwards, selected works will move into the second phase. A jury will choose outstanding pieces that will be featured in a special event during World Space Week, held from 4 to 10 October 2026.
“At that moment, all the winning children will paint their designs onto a special fabric. That fabric will become part of a real space suit.”
The event will bring together children from across Paraguay, who will collaboratively transfer their drawings onto the final textile structure. The result will form part of a wearable art piece intended for international exhibition.
International reach and space ambition
While symbolic in its artistic foundation, the project carries a real-world global dimension.
“This suit will represent Paraguay in different international events. And yes, it may even reach orbit, because other projects like this have already done so.”
The initiative is inspired by the vision of the Space for Art Foundation and includes collaboration with international partners, as well as participation from Paraguayan children living abroad, including in New York, reinforcing its global and diaspora connection.
“Crewmates, not passengers”: a philosophy of participation
The project is not only about space or art, but about shifting how children understand their role in the world. This philosophy runs through every stage of the initiative, from classroom participation to international exhibition. As registrations open nationwide, schools are being invited to join a project that begins in classrooms but reaches far beyond them, into international cultural exchange and even outer space.
“The excitement is enormous. We truly hope that every interested child and school will take part.” Inés Vera, Project Coordinator, can be contacted via email at mainesverao@gmail.com, and updates are available on Inés Vera’s Instagram.
