Open Call for Curators

FIG.

–Festivalfor IllustrationandGraphics launches an open call for curator of its

seventh edition, taking place in Sofia from June 4 to June 13, 2027. The selected

curator will be responsible for developing the curatorial framework and concept of

the festival and curating its main exhibition.

Founded in 2021, FIG. – Festival forIllustration and Graphics moves beyond traditional

understandings of graphic arts and illustration, exploring their potential to engage critically with

the world and to exist within the wider context of contemporary art. FIG reimagines these

practices not as fixed forms ortechniques, but as evolving languages capable of questioning,

reflecting, and shaping currentrealities. It serves as a space for experimentation where illustration,

design, and graphic expression intersect with artistic, social, and theoretical discourses—

rethinking their place and relevance in our present moment.

Previous themes have explored a wide range of perspectives on visual and social inquiry. From

the boundaries between figuration and abstraction and the search for new visual languages that

reflect contemporary complexity, to the creative and philosophical potential of mistakes as a way

to reframe uncertainty, and the ethics and possibilities of collaboration and collective practice

within art and design. While mostrecently the festival’s theme Fabricated Realities dealt with how

images not only represent, but actively create realities.

FormatoftheFestival

The festival spans 10 days, opening on June 4, 2027. Each edition begins with a group exhibition

that directly engages with the year’s theme. The program also features a solo exhibition by an

emerging artist, along with workshops, screenings, lectures, and public discussions, turning Sofia

into a space for creative exchange and criticalreflection.

CuratorRole

1. Develop the 2027 festival theme in collaboration with the FIG team.

2. Curate the main group exhibition, including both new commissions and existing works by

local and international artists.

Write a curatorial statement and develop the general framework of the festival.

Attend regular online meetings to conceptualise and refine the theme and framework.

Conduct a research trip to Bulgaria, including studio visits and meetings with local artists

and practitioners, before the selection of participants.

Oversee the production of new commissions, working closely with artists and the festival

team.

Attend the festival opening and participate in installation and setup processes.

Participate in the public program through a talk, discussion, or presentation (optional).

The curator will collaborate closely with the FIG. team and will have the support of a dedicated

assistant curator.

Resources andSupport

Honorarium: €3,200

Travel: Two covered round-trip tickets (forresearch and forthe festival opening)

Accommodation: Provided during the research visit and the festival opening period

Production budget: Provided forthe realisation of the main exhibition

Artist fees budget: Provided forthe participating artists

ApplicationRequirements

Applicants should submit the following materials:

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Portfolio (up to 10 pages) demonstrating previous curatorial orrelated projects

Outline of Curatorial Concept(max. 2 pages) – a general concept and framework of the

festival and a preliminary framework forthe main exhibition; suggestions of artists are

welcome but not mandatory

Each document should be named [Your Name] – CV / Portfolio / Curatorial Concept

Submission

Please send your application to info@fig.bg with the subject line:

FIG.7 CuratorApplication – [Your Name]

Application deadline: September 11

Selected applicants may be invited for an interview. The appointed curator will be announced at

the end of September.

For any enquiries related to the role and the terms of the open call, please email info@fig.bg no

later thanSeptember5

FIG. – Festival forIllustration and Graphics is a project by KO-OPArt Space