The Embassy of the Czech Republic in Lusaka is pleased to invite children, schools and art clubs from Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malawi to participate in the 54th International Children’s Exhibition of Fine Arts Lidice 2026 (ICEFA Lidice), organised in the Czech Republic. This long-established international competition and exhibition brings together thousands of artworks from children around the world every year and enjoys the patronage of key Czech ministries and the Czech Commission for UNESCO.

The theme of the 2026 edition is “BOOK”. Children are encouraged to reflect on books as gateways to imagination and knowledge – stories that inspire, pictures that speak without words, and books as beautiful crafted objects. Works may explore favourite stories and characters, personal experiences with reading, libraries and bookshops, or the role of books in preserving culture and history.

Participation is open to children aged 4 to 16, both as individuals and as representatives of schools, art clubs and similar institutions. Children and young people with disabilities may participate at any age. Artworks can be created in a wide range of techniques, including drawing and painting, printmaking, mixed media, photography, film/animation and art objects. Each child may submit several works, in line with the technical rules set out by the organisers.

Selected artworks will be evaluated by an expert jury in the Czech Republic. Awarded works will be presented at the traditional exhibition at the Lidice Gallery from June 2026, and many will be included in smaller touring exhibitions in the Czech Republic and abroad. Participating schools and teachers thus gain an opportunity to present the creativity of their pupils on an international stage and to connect with a global community of children and educators.

The closing date for submissions via the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Lusaka is 29 January 2026 at 14:00. By this time, schools must deliver all artworks, properly labelled and accompanied by all required documentation, to the following address:

Embassy of the Czech Republic in Lusaka
4 Twin Palm Road
Kabulonga, Lusaka, Zambia

The Embassy will subsequently arrange for the shipment of all received works to the organisers in the Czech Republic. This deadline is final and cannot be extended, therefore schools and organisations are strongly encouraged to plan sufficient time for preparing the artworks and for arranging delivery to the Embassy.

All detailed conditions (including formats, labelling, application forms and further instructions) are published in English on the official competition website in the section Invitation to participate – ICEFA Lidice 2026:
https://www.mdvv-lidice.cz/en/invitation/

The Embassy looks forward to seeing children from the region represented in this exceptional international exhibition.

 

 

Point of Contact at the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Lusaka: 

Ms. Tiyankenji Precious PHIRI, tiyankenjiprecious.phiri@mzv.gov.cz