Theme: The Universe
Olense Kartoenale 2026 – Annual International Cartoon Contest
Themes
Main Theme:
The Universe
The cosmos began with an enormous explosion from unimaginable nothingness, or perhaps from a single primordial atom, or even by the will of an unknown entity we call God. In the end, it hardly matters, because astronomy, mathematics, physics, chemistry and philosophy still cannot answer what existed before time and matter.
What is that "nothing" from which everything emerged? It lies beyond human imagination.
Within this immeasurable universe, billions of stars move through countless galaxies, nebulae and star clusters. Planetary systems revolve through gas clouds, black holes and oceans of dark matter, and some of them may even harbor life in forms still unknown to us.
Special Theme (Amnesty International):
The Right to Freedom of Expression
Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right. Everyone has the right to form and express their opinions freely, without interference and across borders.
This right includes the freedom to seek, receive and share information and ideas through speech, media, the internet, art, cartoons, satire and all other forms of creative expression.
In democratic societies governed by the rule of law, freedom of expression is a cornerstone of public life. Critical opinions, satire and artistic expression, including cartoons, play an essential role in encouraging dialogue, reflection and pluralism.
However, freedom of expression is not unlimited. Speech that incites hatred, discrimination, violence or causes serious public harm may be subject to legal restrictions.
Deadline
10 September 2026
12:00 AM (Midnight)
Eligibility
The competition is open to cartoonists of all nationalities.
Two categories are available:
- Youth Category: Up to and including 15 years old.
- Adult Category: 16 years old and above.
Both professional and amateur cartoonists are welcome to participate.
Rules
- Entries must be submitted in digital format.
- Drawings must not contain any explanatory text.
- File format: JPEG
- Minimum resolution: 300 dpi
- Image size: 2480 × 3543 pixels
- Artwork size: A4 (21 × 30 cm)
- Maximum 5 entries per theme for each participant.
- Registration and submission must be completed through the official website.
- Registration opens on 1 July 2026.
- Prize winners must provide a recent photograph and a short curriculum vitae within two days of the organizer's request.
Copyright
Prize-winning works become the property of the organizer or the sponsor of the respective theme.
The organizers may use all selected works to promote the contest and the Municipality of Olen.
Judging
The jury consists of professional cartoonists, artists and independent members.
The jury's decisions are final and cannot be appealed.
Catalogue
Selected works will be considered for publication in the official contest catalogue.
Each selected artist will receive one complimentary copy of the catalogue.
Awards
Adult Category
🥇 First Prize: €1,500
🥈 Second Prize: €700
🥉 Third Prize: €400
🏅 Fourth Prize: €300
🏅 City of Bialogard Prize (for Polish participants only): €200
🏅 Amnesty International Special Prize: €500
Youth Category
🏅 Best International Entry: €250
🏅 Best Belgian Entry: €250
If no Belgian participant qualifies for the youth award, the prize will be presented to the second highest-ranked international entry.
Award Ceremony
Friday, 13 November 2026
Approximately 8:00 PM
Venue:
Town Hall of Olen
De Meent
2250 Olen
Belgium
All participating artists are welcome to attend the ceremony. Only the prize winners will receive personal invitations.
Exhibition
A selection of the accepted cartoons will be exhibited at the same venue until the end of December 2026.
