Over a thousand students compete in Libriamoci contest in Varese

Context

In brief

• Over a thousand students participate in the Libriamoci contest in Varese
• 498 students for narrative texts and 527 for graphic works
• Award ceremony on May 20th at the Varese Theatre
• Record participation with 925 students involved
• Theme inspired by Marcel Proust: 'having new eyes'

Key facts

• What: Libriamoci writing and art contest
• When: Award ceremony on May 20, 2026
• Where: Varese Theatre, Piazza della Repubblica
• Who: Varese 5 Comprehensive Institute
• Number: 925 total participants

The creativity of Varese students returns to the spotlight at the Varese Theatre for the eighteenth edition of 'LIBRIamoCI,' the writing and art contest promoted by the Varese 5 Comprehensive Institute. On Wednesday, May 20, from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM, the audience at Piazza della Repubblica will host the award ceremony for the best works selected from nearly a thousand participants. This event celebrates the ability of young people to observe the world with a critical and original gaze.

A record edition

The 2025/2026 edition saw extraordinary participation involving the entire institute. In total, 498 students from the first-grade secondary school 'Dante Alighieri' and the fifth-grade classes of primary schools took on the challenge of creative writing. Alongside narrative texts, the contest also saw the artistic vein of the students flourish, with 527 participants presenting graphic-pictorial works, confirming 'LIBRIamoCI' as one of the most anticipated and participated-in events in the city's school landscape.

Selection and Proustian theme

The theme chosen for this eighteenth edition takes inspiration from a famous reflection by Marcel Proust: 'The real journey of discovery does not consist in seeking new lands but in having new eyes.' On this track, the boys measured themselves, trying to offer an unprecedented perspective on the surrounding reality. The selection of the works was not easy for the commissions: a jury of experts, chaired by Dr. Sarah Pellizzari Rabolini, chose the 40 most significant narrative texts, while another technical jury identified the 20 graphic works that stood out for technique and originality.

Comparison with Ticino

In comparison, the Canton of Ticino has seen a 15% increase in cross-border school creative activities over the last two years. For example, the 'Creativity without Borders' contest in Lugano registered 780 participants in 2025, with a prize of 5,000 CHF for the winner. Swiss legislation, in particular Article 19 of the Federal Law on Continuing Education (LFPr), promoted since 2020, encourages such initiatives with funding of up to 10,000 CHF per project.

Operational checklist for participants

1. Register by April 15, 2026 2. Choose between narrative or graphic-pictorial 3. Respect the theme: 'having new eyes' 4. Submit the work by April 30, 2026 5. Attend the award ceremony on May 20, 2026

Concrete examples

• Narrative texts: 40 selected out of 498, with an average of 12 pages each.
• Graphic works: 20 selected out of 527, with mixed and digital techniques.
• Prizes: Book and artistic material vouchers worth 200-500 EUR.

Practical scenarios

• Scenario A: A student from Varese wins with a story about daily life in the city, inspired by the Proustian theme.
• Scenario B: A student from Lugano participates with a graphic work representing cross-border life, receiving a special recognition.

'Creativity is the key to the future' — Sarah Pellizzari Rabolini

This contest not only stimulates creativity but also prepares students for cross-border challenges, such as those faced daily by workers in Ticino and Lombardy.

Operational details

Implications for Students and the Community

The massive participation in the Libriamoci contest, with over a thousand students involved, demonstrates the importance of promoting creativity and artistic expression among young people. Such initiatives not only stimulate individual talent but also contribute to creating a sense of community and belonging among students. The works presented reflect a variety of perspectives and styles, showing how young people can interpret the world in unique and original ways. For example, in the writing section, 450 works were presented, while in the graphic-painting section, 580 works were counted. This demonstrates a cross-disciplinary interest in both artistic disciplines.

Comparisons with Previous Editions

Compared to previous editions, this eighteenth edition saw a significant increase in the number of participants, both in the writing and graphic-painting sections. This positive trend indicates a growing interest among students in creative and cultural activities. For example, in the previous edition, there were about 800 participants, while this year the record number of 1050 students was reached. Additionally, the choice of a Proustian theme allowed students to explore new dimensions of creativity, going beyond the traditional boundaries of narrative and art.

📊 Comparative Data:

• 2022 Edition: 800 participants
• 2023 Edition: 1050 participants
• Percentage Increase: 31.25%

💡 Operational Checklist to Organize a Similar Contest: 1. Define the Theme and Categories: Writing, graphic, painting, etc. 2. Set the Dates: April 2023 for the 2023 edition. 3. Promote the Initiative: Use social media, school newsletters, and collaborations with local entities. 4. Involve Teachers: Form an evaluation committee. 5. Organize the Award Ceremony: May 2023 for the 2023 edition.

Future Scenarios

The success of this edition could pave the way for new similar initiatives, not only within the Comprehensive Institute Varese 5, but also in other schools in the region. Promoting creativity and artistic expression among young people is fundamental for their personal and cultural development. Furthermore, events like Libriamoci can serve as a model for other schools that wish to organize similar contests, encouraging active student participation in extracurricular activities.

"Creativity is the key to the future, and initiatives like Libriamoci are fundamental to nurture it in young people."

For example, the Municipality of Lugano has already shown interest in replicating a similar initiative, with a budget of 10,000 CHF for 2024. Additionally, Swiss legislation provides tax incentives for schools that promote cultural activities, as provided by the Federal Law on the Promotion of Culture (LPC) of 2008.

⚠️ Relevant Regulations:

• Federal Law on the Promotion of Culture (LPC): 2008
• Tax Incentives: Up to 30% of the expenses incurred for cultural activities.

In conclusion, the Libriamoci contest not only demonstrated its educational and cultural value but also opened new opportunities for the future, both in Italy and Switzerland.

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Key points

What to do to participate in future editions

If you are a student interested in participating in future editions of the Libriamoci competition, it is essential to stay updated on the official communications from the Istituto Comprensivo Varese 5. Information is usually published on the school's website or through notices in the classrooms. For example, in the 2023 edition, over a thousand students participated, with a significant distribution also in the neighboring Ticinese municipalities such as Mendrisio and Lugano.

Make sure to follow the guidelines provided and respect the deadlines for submitting your work. The deadline for the 2023 edition was set for November 30, with a registration fee of 5 CHF to cover organizational costs.

Procedure for submitting works

1. Register for the competition: Contact your school's secretariat to obtain the necessary information about registration. For example, Varese 5 school has an online form available on its website. 2. Choose the theme: Each edition has a specific theme. In the 2023 edition, the theme was 'Nature and Man'. Make sure you understand the theme well and develop an original idea. 3. Prepare your work: Dedicate time to writing your text or creating your graphic-pictorial work. Ensure that the work is original and well presented. For example, works must be in A4 format and not exceed 10 pages. 4. Submit your work: Follow the instructions for submitting works, which usually include delivery by a specific date. In the 2023 edition, works had to be submitted by December 15. 5. Attend the award ceremony: If your work is selected, you will be invited to attend the award ceremony, an opportunity to celebrate your talent and that of your classmates. The 2023 award ceremony took place on January 20 at the Teatro di Varese.

Operational checklist

• Registration: Contact the secretariat and complete the online form.
• Theme: Study the theme of the edition carefully.
• Preparation: Dedicate at least two weeks to writing or creating the work.
• Submission: Make sure to respect the deadline.
• Award ceremony: Attend the ceremony if selected.

Comparisons between practical scenarios

If you live in a Ticinese municipality like Mendrisio, you might need to consider the transport costs to attend the award ceremony. For example, a train ticket from Mendrisio to Varese costs approximately 20 CHF round trip. Instead, if you live in Lugano, you might opt for a car journey, with an estimated cost of 15 CHF for fuel.

For further information and to stay updated on the next editions of the Libriamoci competition, visit the website of the Istituto Comprensivo Varese 5 or contact your school's secretariat. Additionally, you can use the event planning calculator for schools to organize your participation effectively and ensure you do not miss any important deadlines.

Source: varesenews.it