CaixaForum Zaragoza was filled with energy, color, and talent in a unique event that brought together young artists from Turkey with the Aragonese community. More than 130 participants traveled to the city after a demanding selection process held in Antalya, where more than 700 students competed for a place in this cultural experience.
These young people are part of the Turkish School Art Competition, an innovative six-month creative marathon in which students develop works in multiple disciplines: painting, sculpture, photography, collage, animation, digital art, augmented reality, and even artificial intelligence. Zaragoza was the setting chosen to show the world the finalists’ talent.
A celebration of art without borders
The opening ceremony featured recognition of Ömer Tartıcı, president of the competition’s organizing committee, and Cristina Navarro Alvira, director of the Aragonese Youth Institute, who highlighted the value of international collaboration and the role of youth in culture.
The event kicked off with an exciting flamenco concert by Nacho Estévez “El Niño” and Alejandro Monserrat, which created a magical atmosphere and established an emotional bridge between Spain and Turkey.
Inside the CaixaForum, attendees enjoyed a diverse and avant-garde exhibition, reflecting a competition that promotes interdisciplinary thinking, unlimited creativity, and the use of technology as an artistic tool accessible to all.
Taking advantage of their visit, the young artists toured some of the city’s most emblematic sites, such as the Aljafería Palace and the Basilica del Pilar, and also learned about the legacy of Francisco de Goya, a universal reference point for Aragonese art.
Cultural exchange and new connections
The atmosphere was marked by curiosity and collaboration. Despite language barriers, Turkish students and Spanish visitors shared ideas, artistic perspectives, and creative dreams. The closing ceremony, attended by Sara Fernández Escuer, Councilor for Culture, Education, and Tourism, reaffirmed Zaragoza’s commitment as a city open to cultural dialogue and young talent.
An event that transcends art
Beyond the exhibition, the real magic of the event was its ability to bring people together, foster mutual understanding, and demonstrate that art remains one of the most powerful tools for overcoming borders.
Zaragoza is already dreaming of future editions that will continue to build bridges between cultures.
