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 and is integrated into the 23rd edition program of the Salon of the Arts.
Organized by the Amateras Foundation in collaboration with NDK, the event explores paper not merely as a material, but as a medium conveying ideas, time, and artistic expression. This year’s focus directs attention to the underlying layers of memory, identity, and cultural change within the realm of art. 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.
Participants include 117 artists representing 18 countries. The comprehensive program encompasses art tours, curator meetings, and curated exhibitions showcasing talent from nations such as Bulgaria, Japan, Brazil, Poland, and Taiwan. Several featured projects are slated for inclusion in the Autumn Salon of the Arts.
The opening ceremony will include an award presentation for the Amateras competition. A key element of the festival is the support for emerging Bulgarian artists, including students from the National Academy of Art, aimed at promoting contemporary art in Sofia. Additionally, the program features a special Japanese calligraphy presentation by Minoru Goto and a demonstration by Phenix Varbanov on April 30.
Recognized by the European Commission’s Innovation Label, the event has established itself as an international platform for contemporary paper art and cultural exchange. The Sofia Paper Art Fest is supported by the Ministry of Culture, Sofia Municipality, the National Culture Fund, and private partners.
Topics: #paper #sofia #art
