Agora Sant Cugat International School Students Shine in the Globeducate Arts Competition

The creativity and artistic talent of Agora Sant Cugat International School have once again stood out on an international stage. Two projects created by students from the school have been recognised in the Globeducate Arts Competition, a contest that brings together thousands of young artists from Globeducate schools around the world each year.

This year, 15-year-old Mila Villanueva won first prize in the Photography Category for Upper Secondary & Baccalaureate (ages 15 to 18). Meanwhile, Primary students, Lara P, Lola M. and Lara N, aged 6 and 7, achieved third place in the Sculpture and 3D Art Category (ages 5 to 7).

These recognitions place our students among the most outstanding entries in a competition that this year revolved around the theme “A Universal Voice”, encouraging reflection on communication, empathy and global citizenship through disciplines such as painting, photography, poetry, sculpture and the performing arts.

A transformative experience for Mila

For Mila, taking part in the Globeducate Arts Competition was a transformative experience. Her piece was created within the MYP5 Visual Arts Unit of the IB Programme where she explored how photography can convey universal messages related to peace, justice and empathy. Inspired by photographers such as Sebastião Salgado and Chema Madoz, she worked in black and white using visual metaphors and symbolic composition to communicate a powerful message about peace and justice.

Upon hearing the results, Mila shared, “I was really surprised and very proud. This experience has given me the confidence to keep creating and to believe more in my artistic voice.”

Her Visual Arts teacher, Leticia, highlighted the learning behind the project, “This award reflects not only her talent but also the depth of learning behind her work. Projects like this demonstrate how the arts help students develop critical thinking, global awareness and a strong personal voice. Providing opportunities to connect learning with real-world contexts and international audiences lies at the heart of an IB education.”

Art with Purpose from Infants

In the Sculpture and 3D Art category, the Primary students created a piece depicting two girls from different countries painting the word ‘PEACE’. The project encouraged them to reflect on how art communicates values, emotions and universal messages.

Their teacher fondly recalls the moment they heard the news, “They jumped up and own with excitement. Seeing their faces made all the hard work worthwhile. This project has helped them grow both as artists and as individuals.”

A Learning Community that Inspires Creativity and Global Citizenship

The Globeducate Arts Competition celebrates creativity, originality and student voice every year. For Agora Sant Cugat International School, these achievements reflect our commitment to an international education grounded in creativity, confidence and global citizenship, all of which are fundamental pillars of the International Baccalaureate (IB).

Through initiatives like this, students feel part of a global learning community where their ideas and talents are valued far beyond the classroom.

From all the school in Agora Sant Cugat International School, we would like to express our warmest congratulations to Mila, Lara, Lola and Lara. We are incredibly proud to see how you are able to communicate such meaningful messages through art. You are an inspiration to us all and a reminder of how important it is to learn, create and grow within an international school environment.