Sofia Paper Art Fest
Paper Art is a contemporary form of the visual arts which has been emerged as a continuation of traditions and crafts connected with the paper. The artists who use the paper as a medium interconnect traditions and innovations with experiments and pursuit of new opportunities. The paper provoke new means of expression and usage of new technology that enrich the contemporary art.
Devoted to this concept Sofia Paper Art Fest was founded in 2011 as a successor of the Amateras Annual Exhibition/Competition for Paper Art which started in 2009. The festival also includes: Biennial for Paper Art, Paper Art Academy, Exchange and Guest Exhibitions, Art in Urban Environment, Theatre and Film, Green Architecture and related events.
In addition to the sections, every year solo exhibitions of the awarded artists have been organised as well as travelling international projects, installations and events in the public space. The festival appears in different locations aiming decentralisation and revitalisation of the public space within and out of the city.
Every edition has its own focus which supports the cultural policy of Sofia and Bulgaria in order to strive for mediation in the international, social and public policies that seek unity of Europe and support the European values. Hundreds of foreign artists have found their place within the festival. SPAF contributes to the cultural diversity and the artistic scene with the involvement of wide audience, people with cultural background and partnerships. The festival successfully contributes with events for people with disabilities and groups which have limited access to cultural events.
Thanks to the excellent relations between Amateras Foundation and The International Association of Hand Papermakers and Paper Artists (IAPMA), members of the association have regularly participated to show the finest of paper art.
Sofia Paper Art Fest is part of the Calendar of Cultural Events of Sofia Municipality and is a member of The Bulgarian Festivals Association since its foundation. Sofia Paper Art Fest is a two-time winner of the label “Europe for Festivals. Festivals for Europe” (EFFE), awarded periodically by the European Festivals Association for remarkable engagement in the field of arts, community involvement and international openness.
Information about every edition of the festival since 2011:
