Free Press Journal to Host On-the-Spot Painting Competition for Students in Indore on January 18

Indore (Madhya Pradesh): The Free Press Journal is set to host a free on-the-spot painting competition for school students in Indore on January 18, 2026, offering young participants a creative platform to express their imagination through art. The event, titled “Back to Painting,” aims to encourage creativity among children and provide them with an opportunity to explore visual expression in a supportive and accessible environment.

The competition will be held on Sunday, January 18, 2026, from 10 am to 12 noon at Free Press House, 5/5A AB Road, Indore. Participation is open to children and adolescents between the ages of 5 and 17 years, and entry to the event is completely free.

Encouraging Creativity Among Young Minds

Organisers said the initiative is designed to rekindle children’s interest in painting and creative pursuits, especially at a time when academic pressures and screen exposure often limit opportunities for artistic expression. By hosting an on-the-spot competition, the Free Press Journal aims to create a relaxed yet inspiring atmosphere where children can focus purely on creativity without preparation-related stress.

The competition seeks to provide a common platform for students from different schools and backgrounds to come together and showcase their talent. It also aims to foster confidence and originality by allowing participants to freely interpret themes through colours and imagination.

Age-Based Categories for Fair Participation

To ensure fair competition and age-appropriate evaluation, participants will be divided into three groups based on their age:

• Group A: Children aged 5 to 7 years
• Group B: Children aged 8 to 12 years
• Group C: Adolescents aged 13 to 17 years

Each group will be judged separately, allowing younger children and older students to compete within their respective peer categories.

All Materials to Be Provided at Venue

One of the key highlights of the event is that all painting materials will be provided at the venue itself. This includes drawing sheets and basic art supplies, ensuring that parents do not have to arrange or purchase materials in advance.

Organisers said this step has been taken to make participation as convenient as possible and to remove any financial or logistical barriers that could prevent children from taking part. Participants are only required to be present at the venue on time and focus on creating their artwork during the competition window.

Venue and Event Schedule

The painting competition will take place at the Free Press House, located at 5/5A AB Road, Indore, a centrally accessible location for participants across the city. The event will run for two hours, from 10 am to 12 noon, during which children will complete their paintings on-site.

Parents and guardians accompanying participants will be able to wait at designated areas while the children engage in the activity.

Registration Details

Interested participants are required to register in advance to confirm their participation. Registration can be completed by contacting the organisers through the phone numbers provided by the Free Press Journal or by scanning the QR code mentioned on the official event poster.

Organisers have encouraged parents to register early, as participation slots may be limited.

Focus on Holistic Development

The Free Press Journal said the initiative reflects its broader commitment to community engagement and child development beyond academics. By promoting creative activities such as painting, the organisation aims to support the holistic growth of children and encourage them to explore artistic interests from an early age.

The competition also provides a positive, offline activity where children can interact, create, and learn in a shared physical space, reinforcing the value of hands-on creative experiences.

What to Expect Next

With the event scheduled for January 18, organisers are finalising arrangements to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for participants. Further details regarding judging criteria or post-event engagement are expected to be shared closer to the event date.

Parents and students interested in art and creative expression are encouraged to take advantage of this free opportunity and participate in the city-level initiative.