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SALUDA– The City of Saluda, in collaboration with Sister Cities International, is excited to announce the 2025 Young Artists and Authors Showcase, inviting creative youth ages 12 to 18 to participate in a global competition centered around the theme “Friendship: The Heartbeat of Global Peace.” This theme emphasizes friendship’s vital role in fostering understanding, collaboration, and peace across cultural and national divides.

This year marks the eighth anniversary of Saluda’s sister city partnership with Carunchio, a picturesque town in Italy’s Abruzzo region. Since the official declaration of their relationship in 2016, initiated by former Saluda City Commissioner Lynn Cass and Carunchio Mayor Gianfranco D’Isabella, both communities have worked to strengthen their economic and cultural ties.

The Showcase provides a platform for young artists, writers, photographers, and musicians to explore how global friendships can inspire positive change. Participants can submit their work across mediums, including visual arts, written essays, poetry, and music. Winning entries will gain recognition and be featured in Sister Cities International’s expansive global network, promoting their messages of peace and friendship to a broader audience.

“This competition is a wonderful opportunity for young creators to express their vision of a peaceful world,” said a spokesperson for the contest. “We believe that through creativity, we can contribute to an essential dialogue on building friendships that transcend borders.”

Entries for the Showcase will be accepted until March 1, 2025. Participants are encouraged to interpret the theme uniquely and create works that reflect their understanding of friendship and peace. In addition to being recognized, participants will also have a chance to win cash prizes.

For more information about the Young Artists and Authors Showcase and details on the application process, visit saludasistercity.org.