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, forming 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 toward the concealed aspects of memory, identity, and cultural change. Organizers state that the event presents paper not merely as a medium, but as a vehicle for concepts, history, and artistic expression. The festival itinerary includes large-scale international exhibitions, such as 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 representing 18 countries will participate. The program also features art tours, curator meetings, and curated exhibitions showcasing artists from Bulgaria, Japan, Brazil, Poland, and Taiwan. Several featured projects are slated for inclusion in the Autumn Salon of the Arts.
Key events include an award ceremony during the opening, and a special presentation of Japanese calligraphy by Minoru Goto. Furthermore, the festival emphasizes the role of emerging talent, featuring young Bulgarian artists, including students from the National Academy of Art, to advance contemporary art in the country. The event has received the European Commission’s Innovation Label, solidifying its status as an international platform for paper art and cultural exchange in Sofia.
The Sofia Paper Art Fest 2026 is supported by the Ministry of Culture, Sofia Municipality, the National Culture Fund, and private partners.
Topics: #paper #sofia #art
