The World Food Program (WFP) has initiated three national visual arts competitions in Cuba under the theme "Feeding Perspectives," aiming to raise awareness about food security and promote healthy nutritional habits. The launch took place last Tuesday at the National Museum of Fine Arts in Havana.
This call to action comes at a dire time, as Cuba faces its worst food crisis in decades. Currently, five provinces—Havana, Matanzas, Cienfuegos, Guantánamo, and Santiago de Cuba—are experiencing critical levels of food scarcity, according to a report by the Food Monitor Program released this month.
Etienne Labande, the WFP representative in Cuba, emphasized that these contests provide "an opportunity for people to express themselves on an issue that often lacks visibility." Labande also mentioned, "Art serves as an alternative language to convey the same message, complementing formal education with a broader impact."
Art Contests for Various Age Groups
The competitions target different age groups and artistic expressions. The "WFP in Action" National Children's Visual Arts Contest invites children and teenagers aged five to 18 to explore the theme "A Colorful Plate for Every Stage of Life." Submissions are due by July 31, with awards to be presented in October in Havana.
For adults, the "Feeding Perspectives: Art for Awareness" contest focuses on "Knowledge that Nourishes: Nutrition, Tradition, and Community." Entries will be accepted at the Center for the Development of Visual Arts until July 30, with three cash prizes to be awarded, and the top 12 pieces will form an exhibition.
The third contest, "Feeding Perspectives: Capturing Food Security," is open to Cuban residents over 18, featuring categories like Portraits of Nutrition, Life on Earth, and Stories of Resilience. The deadline for submissions is June 29, and the winning works will be displayed at the Ludwig Foundation of Cuba in September.
Support from Cultural Institutions
Danilo Vega Cabrera, Technical-Artistic Deputy Director at the CDAV, stated, "This year, we maintain the guidelines, broaden the range of artistic expressions, and welcome more works, provided they meet quality and thematic standards."
The initiative is supported by several institutions, including the University of the Arts of Cuba, the National Council of Plastic Arts, the San Alejandro School of Visual Arts, and the Ludwig Foundation of Cuba.
Alarming Nutritional Statistics
The contrast between the institutional message and the daily reality is stark: deaths due to malnutrition rose by 74% between 2022 and 2023, increasing from 43 to 75 according to data from the National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI). Furthermore, a staggering 96.91% of Cubans lost access to food due to inflation in August of 2025.
The situation is especially dire for young children: only 9% of Cuban children have access to two of the eight essential foods for a healthy diet, as reported by UNICEF.
Following Hurricane Melissa in November 2025, the WFP provided assistance to over 900,000 people in the provinces of Guantánamo, Santiago de Cuba, Granma, and Holguín, highlighting the island's severe dependency on food aid.
The WFP has been organizing art contests related to nutrition in Cuba since 1998. The 2024 edition revived the adult plastic arts competition after a 20-year hiatus and introduced the creative photography contest for the first time. The 2026 call continues this renewed phase.
FAQs on Cuba's Nutritional Crisis and Art Contests
What is the purpose of the "Feeding Perspectives" art contests in Cuba?
The contests aim to raise awareness about food security and promote healthy nutritional habits through various artistic expressions.
Which provinces in Cuba are facing critical food scarcity?
The provinces currently experiencing critical food scarcity are Havana, Matanzas, Cienfuegos, Guantánamo, and Santiago de Cuba.
How has the nutritional crisis affected Cuban children?
UNICEF reports that only 9% of Cuban children have access to two of the eight essential foods required for a healthy diet.