Panama Ministry of Culture Announces Winners of 2026 National Art Contests

Panama’s Ministry of Culture announced the winners of the XLIV Roberto Lewis National Visual Arts Contest and the National Emerging Artists Contest for 2026. The Roberto Lewis contest awarded Elsy Acosta first place in painting with “El Sueño,” Gladys Sevillano in sculpture with “Mente,” and Bolívar Sánchez in photography with “Se doblan espaldas, pero no voluntades.” The Emerging Artists contest recognized Lisbeth Rodríguez in painting for “Aún Curioso, Aún Posible,” Hugo González in sculpture for “Sol de Lluvia,” Eduardo Molino Diez in photography for “Raíces Sobre el Mar,” and Jonathan Cáceres in creative collage for “Razón Animal.” Prizes total B/. 56,000, with B/. 10,000 for painting and sculpture categories and B/. 7,000 for photography. An international jury—including members from Argentina, Colombia and Mexico—evaluated the submissions. Winners were revealed on 4 August at the Galería Museo de Ciudad de las Artes, and the official award ceremony is scheduled for 18 November at the Aurea “Baby” Torrijos venue during the exhibition opening.