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 emphasizes the multifaceted role of paper. Organizers stated that this year’s theme directs attention toward the concealed aspects of memory, identity, and cultural change, positioning paper not merely as a material, but as a medium carrying 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 representing 18 countries are participating. The program is comprehensive, incorporating art tours, curator meetings, and curated exhibitions showcasing participants from Bulgaria, Japan, Brazil, Poland, and Taiwan. Several projects are slated for inclusion in the Autumn Salon of the Arts.
Key events include an award ceremony for the Amateras competition during the opening. A notable focus this year is the inclusion of young Bulgarian artists, including students from the National Academy of Art, aimed at promoting contemporary art within the country. The schedule also features a special presentation of Japanese calligraphy by Minoru Goto and a demonstration by Phenix Varbanov on April 30.
Recognized by the European Commission’s Innovation Label, the festival has established itself as an international platform for contemporary 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
