Havana, September 15, 2026 — The Young Art Fund (FAJ) and the United Nations Children's Fund in Cuba (UNICEF Cuba) announce the third edition of the 2026 National Music Contest, an initiative aimed at adolescent musicians in academic or self-taught training, conceived as a platform for artistic excellence, professional training, and the promotion of new talents.

The Competition offers participants the opportunity to measure themselves in a specialized selection process, expand their interpretive and creative capabilities, access exchange experiences with renowned musicians and professionals, and strengthen their development within an environment of learning, mentorship, and artistic circulation.

At the same time, the contest reaffirms the commitment of both institutions to the creation of inclusive, diverse, and respectful spaces where children and adolescents can fully exercise their right to participate in cultural life and the arts, in accordance with Article 31 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Marking UNICEF's 80th anniversary, this third edition highlights culture and artistic creation as drivers of participation, development, and future prospects for new generations, linking these principles with a high-level educational and professional experience.

CATEGORIES AND PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS

The call is aimed at Cuban student musicians, residing in Cuba, between 12 and 18 years old, who will be able to compete in three categories: A (12–13 years old); B (14–15 years old) and C (16–18 years old).

The participants must submit one or several videos showing their performance, as a soloist, of one or several musical works of free choice. Complete works, movements of works, new creations, songs, or improvisations apply. They may optionally be accompanied by one or more instrumentalists.

Applications are made through the Application Formonline, available on the FAJ website, where they must complete the general information, attach the required documentation, and include the link to the video or online folder (website or Google Drive) with the audition material. The deadline for receiving applications is November 1, 2026.

In case of difficulties with internet access, applicants may contact the email address info@artejoven.org or contact the telephone number (+53 5 4490431) to find an alternative way to send the audition material and documentation.

SELECTION AND AWARD PROCESS

The prizes will be awarded by a jury composed of renowned professionals of excellence and global recognition in performance, composition, pedagogy, musicology, music production, and cultural management, who are collaborators of FAJ and UNICEF Cuba. The selection process will be carried out in a transparent and impartial manner, with decisions that are well-founded and aligned with the objectives of the competition. The decisions of the jury will be final and unappealable. As part of the selection process, the jury will select a group of finalists, among whom the prizes will later be decided. The names of the finalist and winning contestants will be announced on FAJ's social media.

9 prizes will be awarded: 3 for each competing category, in addition to any mentions the jury deems appropriate. The prizes will consist of full funding (all expenses covered) for the participation of each winner (accompanied by an adult) in a Creative Exchange Program, lasting one week in Havana. The Program will include activities, rehearsal sessions, and masterclasses given by young musicians who are winners of FAJ calls for entries, and by renowned musicians committed to children.

ALLIANCES THAT MAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY POSSIBLE

The National Music Competition, sponsored by FAJ and UNICEF Cuba since 2024, in collaboration with CISP-Sviluppo dei Popoli, features in its third edition the support of the French Embassy and its cooperation office in Cuba, as well as the UNESCO regional office in Havana.

Furthermore, Grupo INMOR and Voltainos are joining, two private sector companies that collaborate with FAJ as part of the platform's effort to connect youth creation with actors committed to childhoods and the development of the arts in Cuba, as a good practice of corporate social responsibility.

The initiative is established as a program that stimulates creativity, artistic expression, and the comprehensive growth of adolescent musicians, creating opportunities to strengthen their skills, expand their educational experiences, and support the development of their musical careers.