The 16th 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 part of the 23rd edition of the Salon of the Arts.
Organized by the Amateras Foundation in collaboration with NDK, this year’s focus directs attention to the underlying aspects of memory, identity, and cultural change. Organizers stated that the event positions paper not merely as a material, but as a medium capable of conveying ideas, time, and artistic expression. The festival will feature 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.
A total of 117 artists from 18 countries are participating. The program is comprehensive, incorporating art tours, curator meetings, and various curated exhibitions showcasing participants from Bulgaria, Japan, Brazil, Poland, and Taiwan. Several projects presented will also be featured in the Autumn Salon of the Arts.
The opening event will include an award ceremony for the Amateras competition. A significant aspect of this year’s edition is the involvement of emerging Bulgarian artists, including students from the National Academy of Art, supporting the promotion of contemporary art within the country. Additional scheduled events 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 event is supported by the Ministry of Culture, Sofia Municipality, the National Culture Fund, and private partners.
Topics: #paper #sofia #art
