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 until May 16 and is integrated into the 23rd edition program of the Salon of the Arts.
Organized by the Amateras Foundation in collaboration with NDK, the event emphasizes paper not merely as a material, but as a medium for conveying ideas, time, and artistic expression. This year’s focus explores the underlying layers of memory, identity, and cultural change through the art of paper. The festival will host 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 countries. The program features art tours, curator meetings, and curated exhibitions showcasing participants from nations such as Bulgaria, Japan, Brazil, Poland, and Taiwan. Several projects presented will also be featured in the Autumn Salon of the Arts.
The opening day will include an award ceremony for the Amateras competition. A key aspect of the festival is the inclusion of young Bulgarian artists, including students from the National Academy of Art, aimed at advancing contemporary art within the country. Additional events include a special presentation of Japanese calligraphy by Minoru Goto and a demonstration by Phenix Varbanov on April 30.
Recognized as an international platform for contemporary paper art and cultural exchange, the festival has received the European Commission’s Innovation Label. The Sofia Paper Art Fest is supported by the Ministry of Culture, Sofia Municipality, the National Culture Fund, and private partners.
Topics: #paper #sofia #art
