International Exlibris Competition for the 41st FISAE Congress in Varna 2026
International Exlibris Competition for the 41st FISAE Congress in Varna 2026 is now open for entries!
The Jordan Petkov Art Foundation, based in Varna, Bulgaria invites all ex-libris artists to participate in the competition of the 41st Congress of the International Federation of Ex-libris Societies FISAE.
Short description
The Jordan Petkov Art Foundation , based in Varna, Bulgaria invites all ex-libris artists to participate in the competition of the 41st Congress of the International Federation of Ex-libris Societies FISAE.
You are invited to submit a maximum of 5 different bookplates, each in 3 signed copies. The works must have been created in the period 2024–2026, but not earlier than August 2024.
Theme is free. However, each participant can submit exlibris, specially designed and dedicated to the “Varna Summer” International Music Festival. "Varna Summer" is the first Bulgarian music festival and one of the most sustainable cultural events in Europe. With its rich multi-genre character, it unites opera, symphonic, chamber and choral music, and its stage has been home to world-famous soloists, conductors, orchestras, choirs, opera and ballet troupes. The festival is not only a cultural symbol of Varna, but also a bridge between Bulgarian and world-wide musical traditions.
All graphic techniques capable of producing multiple images, including digital techniques (CGD, CRD) are eligible. Photocopies, drawings, or sketches will not be accepted.
All submitted works will be evaluated by the jury of 5 members. The jury will choose the artworks to be selected for the exhibition and the catalogue, as well as those to be considered for the awards.
The exhibition will be displayed in Varna during the 41st FISAE congress in September 2026, as well as it will be shown in several locations in Bulgaria after that.
The organizer will design a digital full color catalogue where every selected artist will be presented with one work. The catalog will be downloadable by the web page of the organizer.
Submission requirements:
➜ The exlibris, dedicated to the “Varna Summer” anniversary must have written in the engraved part the text: Exlibris 100 years “Varna Summer” International Music Festival or Exlibris 100 years “Varna Summer” IMF.
➜ The image (engraved part) of the exlibris must be no larger than 190 x 190 mm. Paper size must be no larger than 290 mm x 210 mm (A4).
➜ Each image must include words: “Exlibris”, “Bookplate” or some other similar expression (e.g., “From the library of...”) along with the name of the owner-living person or existing institution. The bookplates must have on the front side under the image, written with a pencil the following: the artist’s signature, year of creation, technique, and title (if the work has one), print number or abbreviation - E/A, A/P.
➜ On the back side of the paper every bookplate must have the following information, written with pencil, in English, with print letters:
1) first name, last name, country of the artist
2) title of the work
3) technique used
4) dimensions of the engraved part in mm
5) year the work was created
6) full versions of initials or abbreviations, if used.
If the transparent paper has been used, the information above should be written on a separate piece of paper and sent with the artwork.
The works should be sent without glass, frame or passé-partout, by registered airmail as PRINTED MATTERIAL, declaring “NO COMMERCIAL VALUE”. The works should be packaged in a solid and waterproof package, in the safest manner to avoid any kind of damage. Organiser advise you to write on the package with bold letters “PRINTED MATERIALS, DO NOT FOLD”.
Who may enter?
The Competition is open to artists from all around the world above the age of 16.
Prize:
The Organizer will award the following minimum prizes:
➜ Grand Prize – 1000 EUR;
➜ Prize for exlibris, dedicated to theme “100 years Varna Summer IMF” – 600 EUR;
➜ Two equal prizes – 500 EUR each;
➜ Prize for Young Artist (under the age of 35) – 400 EUR;
➜ Prize of Largo Gallery – a solo exhibition at Largo gallery in 2027;
➜ Certificates of honor and Honourable mentions - at the decision of the competition Jury;
Entry fees:
There is no entry fee to participate!
