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, the event explores the depth of paper as a medium. This year’s theme emphasizes the hidden dimensions of memory, identity, and cultural change, positioning paper not merely as a material, but as a vehicle for ideas, time, and artistic expression. The festival 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 from 18 countries are participating in this art showcase. The comprehensive program includes art tours, curator meetings, and specialized exhibitions featuring artists from Bulgaria, Japan, Brazil, Poland, and Taiwan. Some featured projects are slated for inclusion in the Autumn Salon of the Arts.
The opening ceremony will also host an award presentation for the Amateras competition. A notable focus is the participation of emerging Bulgarian artists, including students from the National Academy of Art, supporting the promotion of contemporary art within the country. Additional highlights include a special Japanese calligraphy presentation by Minoru Goto and a demonstration by Phenix Varbanov on April 30.
The festival, which has received the European Commission’s Innovation Label, solidifies its status 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.
Topics: #paper #sofia #art
