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 Salon of the Arts program.
Organized by the Amateras Foundation in collaboration with NDK, this year’s focus directs attention to the deeper aspects of memory, identity, and cultural evolution, positioning paper not merely as a material but as a medium for conveying ideas, time, and artistic expression. The event will host major 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 will participate.
The program encompasses art tours, curator meetings, and curated exhibitions showcasing participants from Bulgaria, Japan, Brazil, Poland, and Taiwan. Certain projects are slated for inclusion in the Autumn Salon of the Arts. The opening ceremony will feature an award presentation for the Amateras competition.
A key element of this edition is the inclusion of young Bulgarian artists, including students from the National Academy of Art, supporting the promotion of contemporary art within Bulgaria. 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 contemporary paper art and cultural exchange.
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
