The 16th edition of the Sofia Paper Art Fest, themed “Beyond the Surface,” is scheduled to open on April 28 at 6:00 p.m. at the National Palace of Culture (NDK). The festival will run through May 16 and is featured within the 23rd edition program of the Salon of the Arts.
Organized by the Amateras Foundation in collaboration with NDK, this year’s focus directs attention to the underlying dimensions of memory, identity, and cultural change. Organizers assert that the festival treats paper not merely as a medium, but as a vehicle for ideas, time, and artistic expression. The event will showcase large-scale international exhibitions, including the Biennial of Contemporary Paper Art in the West lobby and the 17th annual Amateras Exhibition-Competition in the Marble lobby.
Participation is expected from 117 artists representing 18 nations. The program encompasses art tours, curator meetings, and various curated exhibitions featuring artists from Bulgaria, Japan, Brazil, Poland, and Taiwan. Certain projects are slated for inclusion in the Autumn Salon of the Arts.
The opening ceremony will feature an award presentation for the Amateras competition. A significant aspect of this year’s festival is the inclusion of young Bulgarian artists, including students from the National Academy of Art, aimed at promoting contemporary art within the country. Additional highlights include a special presentation of Japanese calligraphy by Minoru Goto and a demonstration by Phenix Varbanov on April 30.
Having received the European Commission’s Innovation Label, the Sofia Paper Art Fest has established itself as an international platform for contemporary paper art and cultural exchange. The festival is supported by the Ministry of Culture, Sofia Municipality, the National Culture Fund, and private partners.
Topics: #paper #sofia #art
