The 16th 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, this year’s focus explores the hidden dimensions of memory, identity, and cultural shifts, positioning paper not merely as a material but as a medium for conveying ideas, time, and artistic expression. The event will feature extensive international exhibitions, including the Biennial of Contemporary Paper Art in the West lobby and the 17th annual Amateras Exhibition-Competition in the Marble lobby. Participation is expected from 117 artists representing 18 countries.
The program encompasses art tours, curator meetings, and various curated exhibitions showcasing talent 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 include an award presentation for the Amateras competition.
A notable aspect of this year’s festival is the increased involvement of young Bulgarian artists, including students from the National Academy of Art, supporting the promotion of contemporary art in Sofia. Additional activities include a special demonstration of Japanese calligraphy by Minoru Goto and a presentation by Phenix Varbanov on April 30. Having received the European Commission’s Innovation Label, the festival has established itself as an international hub for contemporary paper art and cultural exchange.
The Sofia Paper Art Fest 2026 is supported by the Ministry of Culture, the Sofia Municipality, the National Culture Fund, and private sponsors.
Topics: #paper #sofia #art
