The Government of the Azores, through the Regional Directorate for Social Solidarity, Education and Youth, presented today the second edition of the "ArtIsocial" contest, which falls within the project "Before you Discriminate me, Know me." This initiative is organised in partnership with CIPA - Novo Dia association.

"ArtIsocial" is a regional contest aimed at youngsters aged up to 30 years. It aims to stimulate the use of creativity and artistic expression as tools against inequality, multiple discrimination and domestic violence, particularly through Plastic Arts (painting, drawing, comic-books or posters), Literature and Photography.

During the presentation of the contest, the Regional Directorate for Youth stressed that this is "another example of the Government's commitment towards a society that respects uniqueness and dignity of human beings, freedom, equality and solidarity."

Pilar Damião also highlighted the importance of "raising the awareness of new generations towards ethnic, sexual, religious and cultural difference of the "other," particularly at a time when "nationalisms of exclusion and homophobia tend to dramatically emerge in Europe."

In turn, the Regional Director for Social Solidarity, Frederico Sousa, emphasised the relevance of this competition insofar as it provides youngsters with the opportunity to participate in awareness-raising, dissemination and intervention in combating discrimination and domestic violence, through creativity and civic duty."

The Regional Director for Education, Fabíola Cardoso stressed that the project "Before you Discriminate me, Know me" is in line with one of the main priorities of Education.

This project contributes to "the preparation of children and youngsters for a full and responsible citizenship in the 21st century that will bring us wonderful scientific and technological advances; however it still maintain high levels of inequality, social exclusion and discrimination."

The “ArtISocial” contest will award prizes to the best words in each artistic area. This initiative also includes a display of the selected works and the organisation of theme nights.

The registration period runs until June 30. Those who are interested can make their registration on the page of CIPA - Novo Dia at the following address: www.novodiacipa.org.

The project "Before you Discriminate me, Know me" began in 2013 and has promoted several awareness-raising actions on eight islands of the archipelago, except Corvo, covering a total of 20 thousand youngsters.

In addition to providing information, the project aims to stimulate the exercise of active citizenship among youngsters, promoting the fight against domestic violence and demystifying prejudices, stereotypes and representations of gender, age, sexual orientation, ethnicity and disability.

In 2015, this project includes the Roadmap for Equality, which will cover all secondary and vocational training schools in the Azores.