The 41st Congress of the International Federation of Exlibris Societies FISAE in September 2026 in Varna, Bulgaria, as well as the accompanying International Exlibris Competition, will be hosted and organized by the Jordan Petkov Art Foundation.

Theme: Theme is free. However, each participant can submit exlibris, specially designed and dedicated to the “Varna Summer” International Music Festival.

ELIGIBILITY:

The competition is open to artists from all around the world above the age of 16. There is no entry fee.

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.

Number of entries: Participants may send a maximum of 5 (five) different bookplates, each of them in 3 (three) signed copies. The works must have been created in the period 2024 – 2026, not earlier than August 2024.

Dimensions: 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).

Techniques: All graphic techniques capable of producing multiple images, including digital techniques (CGD, CRD) are eligible. Photocopies, drawings, or sketches will not be accepted.

Text: Each image must include the words “Exlibris,” “Bookplate,” or some other similar expression (e.g., “From the library of…”) along with the name of the owner—a 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), and print number or abbreviation – E/A, A/P.

Information: On the back side of the paper every bookplate must have the following information, written with pencil, in English, with print letters:
first name, last name, country of the artist
title of the work
technique used
dimensions of the engraved part in mm
year the work was created
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.    

Entry form: Every participant must fill in the Application (Entry) form and send it together with the submitted works. Works which are not accompanied by a completed and signed Application Form will not be reviewed. DOWNLOAD APPLICATION FORM

Only entries meeting requirements, listed in Articles 4 – 9, will be allowed to be evaluated for the competition. All those missing one or more of the requisites will not be reviewed.

All participants who create an exlibris dedicated to the “Varna Summer” International Music Festival will compete for a special prize in the amount of 600 EUR. This dedication is especially significant, since in 2026 the festival will celebrate its 100th anniversary.

Exhibition: The exhibition will be displayed in Varna during the 41st FISAE congress in September 2026, as well as in several locations in Bulgaria after that.

BENEFIT:

Prizes: 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 honorable mentions—at the decision of the competition Jury;

Should the competition receive sponsorships or donations, additional awards might be granted.
All winners will receive their awards personally in their bank accounts after the reduction of the sum with tax according to the Bulgarian Tax Law.