“Heritage in Danger”: Young Monegasque Photographers Spotlight a Legacy to Protect

The Direction of Cultural Affairs of the Principality of Monaco has launched the second edition of its photography competition for young people, open to participants aged 11 to 25. For 2026, the chosen theme is “Heritage in Danger”, a clear call to reflect on the vulnerability of local heritage and the threats that jeopardize its transmission to future generations. The initiative is part of the framework of the European Heritage Days, reinforcing their mission of awareness and preservation.

Through photography, participants are invited to explore both tangible heritage—including works of art, architecture, historic gardens, built landscapes and archaeological sites—and intangible heritage, such as traditions, language, performing arts, festive rituals, craftsmanship and local gastronomy. This rich cultural legacy is increasingly exposed to global challenges including climate change, natural disasters, urban development, mass tourism and social transformations, issues that extend well beyond Monaco’s borders.

According to the organizers, the competition goes far beyond a simple artistic challenge. Its aim is to actively engage Monegasque youth in heritage protection, while encouraging a critical, thoughtful and creative perspective on the present. An expert jury will select 15 finalist photographs and award three prizes, one in each age category: 11–14, 15–18 and 19–25. Jury members include renowned figures such as Stéphane Bern, French journalist and prominent advocate for cultural heritage, and Nick Danziger, internationally acclaimed photographer and documentary filmmaker, alongside leading personalities from Monaco’s cultural sphere.

The selected works will be exhibited outdoors on the railings of the Saint-Martin Gardens, from April to October 2026, offering the public a unique opportunity to discover how younger generations perceive and portray a heritage at risk.

The competition is open exclusively to young people of Monegasque nationality, as well as residents, students or workers in the Principality of Monaco.

📅 Registration deadline: 15 March 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
🌐 Details and application form: available at culture.mc
✉️ Information: infodac@gouv.mc