Organizer Information
Jordan Petkov Art Foundation — the Foundation is hosting the 41st Congress of the International Federation of Exlibris Societies (FISAE) in Varna (September 2026) and organizes the accompanying International Exlibris Competition. The Foundation runs this event in collaboration with Largo Art Gallery and local cultural partners; it administers the contest, catalogue and exhibition program for the FISAE congress.
Title & Description
FISAE Varna 2026 — International Exlibris Competition (organised by Jordan Petkov Art Foundation)
An international bookplate (exlibris) competition open to graphic artists worldwide. The contest accepts up to five bookplate designs per participant (each submitted as three signed, printed copies). The theme is open (no compulsory theme), but participants may also create an exlibris specifically dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the “Varna Summer” International Music Festival — such dedicated entries compete additionally for a special €600 prize. Selected works will form an exhibition shown during the 41st FISAE Congress in Varna (September 2026) and travel afterwards to multiple Bulgarian venues; selected works are also included in a digital colour catalogue. Jury decisions are final.
Categories
- Graphic Art / Printmaking (intaglio, relief, lithography, etc.)
- Digital print techniques (CGD, CRD) — digital exlibris accepted.
(Photocopies, sketches and simple drawings are not accepted.)
Eligibility
- Open internationally to artists aged 16 and above.
- Maximum 5 entries per participant; works must be created within Aug 2024 – 2026.
Program Benefits & Awards
Minimum guaranteed prizes (organizer will award at least):
- Grand Prize: €1,000.
- Special Prize for exlibris dedicated to “100 years Varna Summer IMF”: €600.
- Two equal prizes: €500 each.
- Prize for Young Artist (under 35): €400.
- Largo Gallery Prize: solo exhibition at Largo Gallery in 2027.
- Certificates / honourable mentions as decided by jury.
All monetary awards are paid by bank transfer after taxes under Bulgarian law. Additional awards may be added if sponsorships are secured.
Application Fee
No Entry fee
Application Requirements
- Maximum 5 different bookplates per participant; each entry must be submitted in 3 signed printed copies.
- Works must have been created between August 2024 and 2026.
- Image (engraved part) ≤ 190 × 190 mm; paper ≤ 290 × 210 mm (A4).
- Each bookplate must include a text element (e.g., “Exlibris”, “Bookplate” or “From the library of...”) plus the owner’s name (person or institution).
- On the front (under the image, in pencil): artist signature, year, technique, title (if any), print/edition number (e.g., E/A, A/P).
- On the back (in printed English letters, pencil): artist first/last name, country, title, technique, dimensions of engraved part (mm), year, full initials if used. If transparent paper used, place the info on a separate sheet.
- Completed and signed Application (Entry) Form must accompany submitted works — entries without a completed and signed form will not be considered.
How to Apply?
- Complete the Application Entry Form
- Send physical works by registered airmail as printed material (no glass/frame) to the address below. Mark packages “PRINTED MATERIALS, DO NOT FOLD” and declare NO COMMERCIAL VALUE. Postage is at the sender’s expense; packages with customs fees pending will not be accepted.
Postal address:
Nelly Valcheva, Largo Art Gallery
8 Han Krum Str., 9000 Varna, Bulgaria
Tel: +359 888 457 085.
Key Dates
- Deadline for receiving artworks at the Organiser’s address: 1 July 2026 (artworks received after this date will not compete).
- Recommended postal Deadlines: non-EU countries — send before 1 May 2026 (postmark date); EU countries — send before 1 June 2026 (postmark date).
- Exhibition Dates: displayed during the 41st FISAE Congress — September 2026 in Varna; afterwards, the exhibition will be shown in several Bulgarian locations.
Location
Varna, Bulgaria
Additional Details
- Submitted artworks will not be returned and will become part of the Jordan Petkov Art Foundation graphic collection. The Organizer reserves non-commercial reproduction rights for promotional and cultural purposes (catalogue, website, posters). Standard copyright rules apply outside the competition.
- All works must meet the technical and labeling requirements; incomplete or late entries are excluded. By signing the application form, artists accept the Rules and concede the submitted works to the Foundation’s collection.