The 16th edition of the Sofia Paper Art Fest, operating under the theme “Beyond the Surface,” is scheduled to open on April 28 at the National Palace of Culture (NDK). The festival will run through May 16, forming part of the larger 23rd Salon of the Arts. Organized by the Amateras Foundation in collaboration with NDK, the event centers on exploring the hidden layers of memory, identity, and cultural change.
Organizers emphasize that the festival treats paper not merely as a medium, but as a vehicle for artistic expression and ideas. The scope of the art event is international, featuring 117 participating artists representing 18 countries. 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.
The program is diversified, offering art tours, curator meetings, and curated exhibitions showcasing participants from nations including Bulgaria, Japan, Brazil, Poland, and Taiwan. A key focus of the festival is promoting contemporary art within Bulgaria, highlighted by the inclusion of young artists from the National Academy of Art. Additional events include a special presentation of Japanese calligraphy by Minoru Goto and a demonstration by Phenix Varbanov on April 30.
The festival has secured the European Commission’s Innovation Label, cementing its status as an international platform for cultural exchange. The Sofia Paper Art Fest continues to build its reputation through the support of the Ministry of Culture, Sofia Municipality, the National Culture Fund, and private partners.
Topics: #paper #sofia #art
