FISAE

10/07/2026

Meet the Honourable International Jury of the 41 FISAE Competition!

Dimo Kolibarov, Bulgaria

This month, the Honourable International Jury of the 41st FISAE Competition will gather in Varna, Bulgaria, to review more than 780 submitted artworks by over 300 artists from 35+ countries, carefully evaluate each entry, and select the winning works.

We are honoured to welcome such an accomplished panel of artists and professionals, whose expertise and dedication ensure a fair and inspiring competition.

Assoc. Prof. Dimo Kolibarov is a Bulgarian printmaker, educator, curator, and Associate Professor in the Department of Printmaking at the National Academy of Arts in Sofia. A graduate of the National Academy of Arts, he has dedicated his career to printmaking, teaching, and the development of contemporary graphic arts in Bulgaria.

His work has been exhibited in numerous international exhibitions, competitions, and printmaking biennials across Europe, Asia, and North America. He has presented solo exhibitions in Bulgaria, Germany, France, Belgium, and Japan, and his prints have been featured in prestigious museums and galleries worldwide.

Throughout his career, Assoc. Prof. Kolibarov has received numerous national and international distinctions, including the Grand Prix at the International Mini Print Triennial in Tokyo (Japan), First Prize at the International Small-Format Print Competition in Milan (Italy), First Prize for Ex Libris in Beijing (China), as well as awards from international printmaking biennials and triennials in Bulgaria, Lithuania, Italy, and North Macedonia.

A respected expert in the field of printmaking and exlibris, he has also served as Chair of the Jury for the second, third, fourth, and fifth editions of the International ExLibris Competition Varna. His extensive artistic, academic, and curatorial experience makes him a distinguished member of the Honourable International Jury of the 41st FISAE Competition.

41 FISAE congress | Varna, Bulgaria | 1-6 September 2026
www.jordanpetkov.foundation | [email protected] @последователи

07/07/2026

Meet the Honourable International Jury of the 41 FISAE Competition!

Krzysztof Marek Bak, Poland

This month, the Honourable International Jury of the 41st FISAE Competition will gather in Varna, Bulgaria, to review more than 780 submitted artworks by over 300 artists from 35+ countries, carefully evaluate each entry, and select the winning works.

We are honoured to welcome such an accomplished panel of artists and professionals, whose expertise and dedication ensure a fair and inspiring competition.

Krzysztof Marek Bak is a Polish artist, printmaker, researcher, and one of the leading contemporary specialists in ex libris art. He has presented more than 100 solo exhibitions in Poland, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Portugal, Finland, the United Kingdom, the United States, Japan, and Kuwait.

Throughout his career, Bak has received more than 60 awards and distinctions at international printmaking and bookplate competitions. He has initiated and curated numerous international exhibitions and artistic projects and has served as a juror in more than 20 international ex libris competitions. His academic research focuses on the theory and development of the contemporary bookplate.

In recognition of his outstanding contribution to the art of ex libris, he has been awarded the Jan Marian Szymański Medal (Poland) and the Walter von Zur Westen Medal (Germany), two of the most prestigious distinctions in the field of bookplate art.

Education and Academic Career
Bak graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts in Wrocław, Poland, and holds the title of Full Professor. He is professionally affiliated with the University of Silesia in Katowice, where he teaches at the Institute of Fine Arts and directs the Modern Exlibris Research Studio.
• 2019–2023 – Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Educational Sciences, University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland.

Professional Activities
• Artistic Director of the International Exlibris Biennale in Gliwice, Poland.
• Founder, curator, and organizer of numerous international exhibitions and artistic projects dedicated to printmaking and ex libris.
• Juror at more than 20 international exlibris competitions.
• Member of the Deutsche Exlibris Gesellschaft (German Exlibris Society).

Research Interests
Contemporary ex libris, printmaking, visual arts, bookplate theory, and the history and development of graphic arts.

41 FISAE congress | Varna, Bulgaria | 1-6 September 2026
www.jordanpetkov.foundation | [email protected] @последователи

06/07/2026

Meet the Honourable International Jury of the 41 FISAE Competition!

Chris Verheyen, Belgium

This month, the Honourable International Jury of the 41st FISAE Competition will gather in Varna, Bulgaria, to review more than 780 submitted artworks by over 300 artists from 35+ countries, carefully evaluate each entry, and select the winning works.

We are honoured to welcome such an accomplished panel of artists and professionals, whose expertise and dedication ensure a fair and inspiring competition.

Chris Verheyen is a Belgian printmaker, curator, gallery owner, and promoter of contemporary graphic art. Since 1991, she has been the founder and owner of Epreuve d’Artiste Gallery in Antwerp, Belgium, where she has organized numerous solo and group exhibitions featuring internationally renowned graphic artists. Through her gallery and international collaborations with cultural centers, museums, and galleries worldwide, she has played a significant role in promoting the art of printmaking and fostering cultural exchange.

Since 1994, Chris Verheyen has maintained a close artistic collaboration with Slovak art historian and curator Zora Petrášová, beginning with her first solo exhibition in Piešťany, Slovakia. Since 1997, she has edited and published a number of print portfolios and graphic art projects, including A Sign in Heaven, Graphic Art Beyond Borders, 57 Flemish and Walloon Artists, Schelmen – 12 International Artists, 60 x 60 The Wondering Mind (with Zora Petrášová), Grafiekgalerij Antwerpen – België 1991–2016, and The Wondering Mind 2 (with Zora Petrášová).

Education and Professional Career
• 1973–1975 – Studied at the State Teachers’ Training College in Ghent, Belgium, under Prof. Octave Landuyt.
• 1975–1977 – Studied Printmaking at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, Ghent, Belgium, under Prof. Roger Wittevrongel.
• 1979 – Attended the International School of Arts in Voss, Norway.
• 1980 – Artist-in-Residence programs in Bratislava, Slovakia, and Prague, Czech Republic.
• 1980–Present – Participation in international workshops, training programs, and symposia throughout Europe, the United States, Japan, and China.
• 1987 – Studied Printmaking and Book Illustration at the Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Bratislava, Slovakia, under Prof. Albín Brunovský.
• 1990–2015 – Taught Art in Antwerp, Belgium.
• 1977–Present – Participation in solo and group exhibitions worldwide.

Selected Projects and Distinctions
• 1991 – Founded Epreuve d’Artiste Gallery in Antwerp, Belgium.
• 2006 – Organizer of Celebration of Slovak and Flemish Contemporary Art: 15 Years of Epreuve d’Artiste Gallery, presented at KBC Bank, Antwerp, Belgium.
• 2025 – Awarded the Silver Commemorative Medal of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic.
• 2026 – Organizer of Celebration of Slovak and Flemish Contemporary Art: 35 Years of Epreuve d’Artiste Gallery, House of Arts, Piešťany, Slovakia.

About Epreuve d’Artiste Gallery
Since its establishment in 1991, Epreuve d’Artiste Gallery has presented numerous solo and group exhibitions dedicated to contemporary graphic art. The gallery’s mission is to introduce collectors, connoisseurs, and admirers to the diverse and unique worlds of printmaking while creating opportunities for direct encounters between artists and audiences. Through its extensive international network and collaborations with cultural institutions, museums, and galleries, the gallery has become an important platform for the promotion of graphic art across borders.
Born in 1955 in Antwerp, Belgium, Chris Verheyen lives and works in Lier and Antwerp, Belgium.

41 FISAE congress | Varna, Bulgaria | 1-6 September 2026
www.jordanpetkov.foundation | [email protected] @последователи

03/07/2026

What to expect when you come to Varna this September? At least 101 reasons to love it! 🌊

Varna is not a place you can easily describe – it's a place you experience. And Moreto.Net captured its spirit in one short video 🎬

101 seconds. 101 reasons. One city.
VARNA 🩵
@последователи

03/07/2026

Meet the Honourable International Jury of the 41 FISAE Competition!

Nelly Valcheva, Bulgaria - President of FISAE 2024-2026

This month, the Honourable International Jury of the 41st FISAE Competition will gather in Varna, Bulgaria, to review more than 780 submitted artworks by over 300 artists from 35+ countries, carefully evaluate each entry, and select the winning works.

We are honoured to welcome such an accomplished panel of artists and professionals, whose expertise and dedication ensure a fair and inspiring competition.

Nelly Valcheva is the Director of Largo Gallery, the Jordan Petkov Art Foundation, the International ExLibris Competition Varna, and President of the International Federation of Exlibris Societies (FISAE) for the 2024–2026 term. Since 2009, Nelly has curated more than 290 exhibitions at Largo Gallery, over 10 projects in the field of graphics, several fine arts projects, and a number of interdisciplinary projects.

Selected Curatorial Projects
• 2025 – Curator of the graphic exhibition Flight, featuring 13 Bulgarian and Italian artists, presented at Largo Gallery in Varna and in the city of Varese, Italy.
• 2014, 2016, 2018, 2021, 2023, 2025 – Curator of the representative exhibitions of all of the International ExLibris Competition Varna.
• 2024 – Curator of the exhibition (Im)Possible Cyclicity, presented as part of the 35th edition of the Process–Space Festival in Balchik, Bulgaria.
• 2023 – Curator of the painting exhibition The World of Opera in Paintings, featuring 15 Bulgarian and Italian artists, presented in Balchik, Varna, Sofia - Bulgaria and Rome - Italy.
• 2023 – Curator of the exhibition The World Needs the Young, showcasing augmented reality digital artworks by the art group Co Interaction.
• 2022 – Curator of the graphic exhibition Made in Bulgaria, featuring works by nine Bulgarian artists, presented at Epreuve d’Artiste Gallery in Antwerp - Belgium.
• 2021 – Curator of the augmented reality graphic exhibition The Divine Comedy by Svetoslav Kosev.
• 2019 – Curator of the printmaking exhibition Roses and Lions, featuring 35 Bulgarian artists, organized at the invitation of the Italian Exlibris Association. The exhibition was presented in Milan - Italy and Varna - Bulgaria.

41 FISAE congress | Varna, Bulgaria | 1-6 September 2026
www.jordanpetkov.foundation | [email protected] @последователи

02/07/2026

OPEN CALL FOR THE INTERNATIONAL EXLIBRIS COMPETITION OF THE 41 FISAE CONGRESS IS NOW CLOSED!

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who submitted their artworks and became part of this inspiring international event! 🫶

The submission period has officially ended, and our team is now carefully processing all the packages we have received. We are delighted to share that the competition attracted more than 300 artists from over 35 countries, who submitted more than 780 original exlibris artworks.

This month, the Honourable International Jury of the 41 FISAE Competition will gather in Varna to review all submitted works, evaluate them and select the winning entries.

Stay tuned for more updates about the FISAE congress, competition and programme!

📥 Open call for 41 FISAE Congress! Register now: https://jordanpetkov.foundation/en/fisae-congress-varna-2026/fisae-fees 🔗

41 FISAE congress | Varna, Bulgaria | 1-6 September 2026 @последователи

👉 Follow us at FISAE as well as on Instagram:
More on the Organizer's website: www.jordanpetkov.foundation
Email: [email protected] | [email protected]

📢 Join our Community Channels:
Telegram: https://t.me/fisaevarna
Whatsapp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb6qkvN3wtbGTzGTGN13

30/06/2026

🚨 ATTENTION ALL EXLIBRIS ARTISTS, COLLECTORS AND ENTHUSIASTS! 🚨 LAST CHANCE! 🚨

Registration is now open for the 41 FISAE Congress in Varna, Bulgaria this September - Be a part of the world's largest international event for exlibris!

Whether you're an artist, collector, or simply passionate about exlibris - this is your invitation to be part of an inspiring global community.

✨ Meet artists and collectors from around the world
📚 Discover extraordinary bookplates from all around the world
🗓️ Enjoy a rich programme of exhibitions, workshops, trips and cultural events
🤝 Connect with fellow enthusiasts and help preserve and celebrate the long tradition of exlibris

Don't miss this unique opportunity to experience the international world of exlibris in beautiful Varna! 🌊

REGISTER NOW: https://jordanpetkov.foundation/en/fisae-congress-varna-2026/fisae-fees

Join us this September! Exlibris unites! @последователи

Contacts:
[email protected]
[email protected]
www.jordanpetkov.foundation/en

20/05/2026

🚨🚨🚨 IMPORTANT! 🚨🚨🚨
❗THE DEADLINE TO RECEIVE YOUR ARTWORKS IS FAST APPROACHING!

INTERNATIONAL EXLIBRIS COMPETITION - 41 FISAE CONGRESS

Deadline for receiving artworks at the Organizer’s address – 1 July 2026. Artworks that were received after the deadline will not compete for the awards and be shown in the catalogue. ⏰

⚠️ Make sure to send your artworks (three copies each) + Application form as soon as possible to the Organizer's address!
More info: https://jordanpetkov.foundation/en/fisae-congress-varna-2026/competition-rules
@последователи

01/05/2026

Dear artists,

REMEMBER! 🚨🚨🚨

❗If you are from outside the European Union and you want to participate in the FISAE International competition, you should send your artworks today!

Deadline for receiving artworks at the Organizer’s address – 1 July 2026. Artworks that were received after the deadline will not compete for the awards and be shown in the catalogue.

Recommended deadlines for sending the artworks:
⚠️ For countries outside of the European Union: entries must be sent before 1 May 2026. (according to the date of the post stamp of the sender).
⚠️ For countries in the European Union: entries must be sent before 1 June 2026. (according to the date of the post stamp of the sender).

More info: https://jordanpetkov.foundation/en/fisae-congress-varna-2026/competition-rules

@последователи

We are excited to announce the OPEN CALL for all exlibris artists to participate in the International Exlibris Competition for the 41st FISAE Congress in Varna, 2026! 📣

📄 You can find the rules of the competition here - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1id0stQrW5wJfsA-DRQoqdyR1pC840wTm/view?usp=sharing

❗️ Deadline for RECEIVING artworks at the Organizer’s address: 1 July 2026.

Recommended deadlines for sending the artworks:
✅ For countries outside of the European Union - entries must be sent before 1 May 2026 (according to the date of the post stamp of the sender);
✅ For countries in the European Union - entries must be sent before 1 June 2026 (according to the date of the post stamp of the sender).

👁 Please read the Rules for the competition before sending your artworks!
📝 Download Application form here - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RrQtisAcGXbogsLQM84ZR6S0UABqzWW9/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=115384308145539699129&rtpof=true&sd=true

‼️ Packages WITHOUT an Application form WILL NOT be reviewed for the competition, catalogue and prizes!

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If you have any questions, feel free to contact us:
E: [email protected]
E: [email protected]
T: +359897976397
Whatsapp, Telegram, Viber: +359897976397
FISAE Telegram channel: https://t.me/fisaevarna
More on: https://jordanpetkov.foundation/en/fisae-congress-varna-2026
41 FISAE congress | Varna, Bulgaria | 1-6 September 2026
@последователи

30/04/2026

🚨🚨🚨🚨
[• en] HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN FISAE? ↓
[• es] CÓMO PARTICIPAR EN FISAE? ↓↓
[• ru] КАК ПРИНЯТЬ УЧАСТИЕ В FISAE? ↓↓↓
[• de] WIE KANN MAN AN FISAE TEILNEHMEN? ↓↓↓↓
[• nl] HOE KAN IK DEELNEMEN AAN FISAE? ↓↓↓↓↓
[• zh-CN] 如何参加FISAE? ↓↓↓↓↓↓

[• en]
STEP 1: Send Application form to our email
STEP 2: Transfer the congress fee
STEP 3: Come to Varna in September!

When you decide to participate in the upcoming 41 FISAE Congress in Varna this September, it's important to send your completed Application form: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cYwoM_3Xdy3RfyakD6MNXMQa5y338ncD/view to our email!

When transfering the congress fee, you must make sure that you're transfering the FULL AMOUNT. If your bank charges additional fees for the transfer, you have to make sure that you choose the option where all fees are covered by the sender (often called “OUR”). If the Organizer receives an insufficient amount for the congress fee, you will be asked to pay the remaining balance.

And if you have any questions or need help - Feel free to reach out to us on emails [email protected] and [email protected]

[• es]
PASO 1: Envía el formulario de solicitud a nuestro correo electrónico
PASO 2: Realiza la transferencia de la cuota del congreso
PASO 3: ¡Ven a Varna en septiembre!

Si decides participar en el 41.º Congreso de la FISAE en Varna este septiembre, es importante que nos envíes el formulario de solicitud completo: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cYwoM_3Xdy3RfyakD6MNXMQa5y338ncD/view

Al realizar la transferencia de la cuota del congreso, asegúrate de transferir el IMPORTE COMPLETO. Si tu banco cobra comisiones adicionales, asegúrate de seleccionar la opción en la que todas las comisiones corren a cargo del remitente. Si la organización recibe un importe insuficiente para la cuota del congreso, se te solicitará que abones el saldo restante.

Si tienes alguna pregunta o necesitas ayuda, no dudes en contactarnos a través de los correos electrónicos [email protected] y [email protected]

[• ru]
ШАГ 1: Отправьте заполненную заявку на наш электронный адрес
ШАГ 2: Переведите регистрационный взнос за участие в конгрессе
ШАГ 3: Приезжайте в Варну в сентябре!

Если вы решили принять участие в предстоящем 41-м конгрессе FISAE в Варне в сентябре, важно отправить заполненную заявку: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cYwoM_3Xdy3RfyakD6MNXMQa5y338ncD/view на наш электронный адрес!

При переводе регистрационного взноса убедитесь, что вы переводите ПОЛНУЮ СУММУ. Если ваш банк взимает дополнительные сборы за перевод, убедитесь, что вы выбрали вариант, при котором все сборы покрываются отправителем. Если организатор получит недостаточную сумму для оплаты конгрессного взноса, вам будет предложено оплатить оставшуюся сумму.

Если у вас возникнут вопросы или потребуется помощь, обращайтесь по электронной почте: [email protected] и [email protected]

[• de]
SCHRITT 1: Anmeldeformular an unsere E-Mail-Adresse senden
SCHRITT 2: Kongressgebühr überweisen
SCHRITT 3: Im September nach Varna kommen!

Wenn Sie am 41. FISAE-Kongress im September in Varna teilnehmen möchten, senden Sie uns bitte Ihr ausgefülltes Anmeldeformular (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cYwoM_3Xdy3RfyakD6MNXMQa5y338ncD/view) per E-Mail zu!

Bitte überweisen Sie bei der Zahlung der Kongressgebühr den VOLLEN BETRAG. Falls Ihre Bank zusätzliche Gebühren erhebt, wählen Sie bitte die Option „Gebührenübernahme durch den Absender“. Sollte der Veranstalter nicht genügend Kongressgebühr erhalten, werden Sie gebeten, den Differenzbetrag zu begleichen.

Und falls Sie Fragen haben oder Hilfe benötigen, können Sie uns gerne per E-Mail unter [email protected] und [email protected] kontaktieren.

[• nl]
STAP 1: Stuur het aanmeldingsformulier naar ons e-mailadres
STAP 2: Maak de congreskosten over
STAP 3: Kom in september naar Varna!

Als u besluit deel te nemen aan het aankomende 41e FISAE-congres in Varna in september, is het belangrijk dat u uw ingevulde aanmeldingsformulier: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cYwoM_3Xdy3RfyakD6MNXMQa5y338ncD/view naar ons e-mailadres stuurt!

Zorg er bij het overmaken van de congreskosten voor dat u het VOLLEDIGE BEDRAG overmaakt. Als uw bank extra kosten in rekening brengt voor de overschrijving, zorg er dan voor dat u de optie kiest waarbij alle kosten door de afzender worden gedekt. Als de organisator een onvoldoende bedrag voor de congreskosten ontvangt, wordt u gevraagd het resterende bedrag te betalen.

Mocht u vragen hebben of hulp nodig hebben, neem dan gerust contact met ons op via e-mail: [email protected] en [email protected]

[• zh-CN]
第一步：将申请表发送至我们的邮箱
第二步：支付会议费用
第三步：九月来瓦尔纳！

如果您决定参加今年九月在瓦尔纳举行的第41届国际航空航天工程联合会（FISAE）大会，请务必将填写完整的申请表（https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cYwoM_3Xdy3RfyakD6MNXMQa5y338ncD/view）发送至我们的邮箱！

支付会议费用时，请务必确保支付全额。如果您的银行会收取额外手续费，请务必选择“由汇款人承担所有费用” 的选项。如果主办方收到的会议费用不足，您将被要求支付剩余款项。

如果您有任何疑问或需要帮助，请随时通过电子邮件 [email protected] 和 [email protected] 与我们联系。
@последователи