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, forming part of the 23rd edition program of the Salon of the Arts.
The Amateras Foundation, in collaboration with NDK, is organizing the event. This year’s focus on paper explores the hidden dimensions of memory, identity, and cultural change, positioning the material not merely as a medium, but as a vehicle for ideas, time, and artistic expression. 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 talent from Bulgaria, Japan, Brazil, Poland, and Taiwan. Several projects presented will also be included in the Autumn Salon of the Arts.
The opening day will include an award ceremony for the Amateras competition. A notable aspect of this year’s festival is the involvement of young Bulgarian artists, including students from the National Academy of Art, aimed at advancing contemporary art within Bulgaria. Additional 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 festival has established itself as an international platform for contemporary paper art and cultural exchange in Sofia. The event is supported by the Ministry of Culture, Sofia Municipality, the National Culture Fund, and private partners.
Topics: #paper #sofia #art
