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 edition program of the Salon of the Arts.
Organized by the Amateras Foundation in collaboration with NDK, the event explores the multifaceted role of paper. Organizers state that this year’s theme emphasizes the hidden dimensions 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 diverse, incorporating art tours, curator meetings, and curated exhibitions showcasing artists from Bulgaria, Japan, Brazil, Poland, and Taiwan. Certain projects will also be featured in the Autumn Salon of the Arts.
The opening ceremony will include an award presentation for the Amateras competition. A key focus of this year’s Sofia art event is the inclusion of young Bulgarian artists, including students from the National Academy of Art, aimed at promoting contemporary art within the country. 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 solidified its standing 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
