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 programme of the Salon of the Arts.
Organized by the Amateras Foundation in collaboration with NDK, this year’s focus explores the underlying dimensions of memory, identity, and cultural change. Organizers emphasize that the material of paper is presented not merely as a medium, but as a vehicle for ideas, time, and artistic expression within the context of contemporary art. The event 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 representing 18 countries are participating. The comprehensive program includes guided art tours, meetings with curators, and various curated exhibitions showcasing participants from nations such as Bulgaria, Japan, Brazil, Poland, and Taiwan. Certain projects are slated for inclusion in the Autumn Salon of the Arts.
The opening day will feature an award ceremony for the Amateras competition. A key element of this year’s festival is the increased involvement of young Bulgarian artists, including students from the National Academy of Art, aimed at promoting contemporary art within the country. Additional highlights 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 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.
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