Photography, Poetry, and Music Contest: A Secreta Vida das Palavras
2026
Theme
Freedom Without Borders: Gender and Migration
A Secreta Vida das Palavras is a photography contest that encourages the interplay between different forms of expression: images, text, and music.
In this sixth edition, the contest is dedicated to the visual exploration of two fundamental pillars of contemporary freedom: migration and gender identity. We are seeking submissions that document, either explicitly or symbolically, the human experience of those who cross borders—whether they are the geographical boundaries between nations or the social and normative boundaries of the body.
Process
The nine highest-ranked photographs are then given to three writers to serve as a starting point for creating original poems or prose pieces.
The resulting texts will be entrusted to the creativity and artistic sensibility of the three composers, who will create nine pieces to be presented in a multimedia show on November 21 at the Ruy de Carvalho Municipal Auditorium in Carnaxide, Oeiras.
Awards
The photographers with the most votes will receive gift certificates in the following amounts:
1.º prémio – 750€;
2.º prémio – 500€;
3.º prémio – 250€;
Audience Award – 100€.
Submit your photos
Format: JPG or JPEG.
Minimum width: 3,000 pixels
Minimum resolution of 300 dpi
File size: Maximum of 30 MB
Aspect ratio: 3:2 or 2:3 and 4:3 or 3:4
Photographs may be in color or black and white.
A maximum of three photographs per entrant will be accepted.
There is no entry fee for the contest.
