The World Gallery Of Cartoons Skopje 2025, hosted by OSTEN Skopje, stands as one of the premier international cartoon competitions, attracting artists from diverse backgrounds across the globe. With its establishment dating back to 1969, this renowned biennial event has steadily cultivated its reputation, becoming a significant cultural highlight in the Balkans and one of the most respected cartoon and satirical art showcases worldwide. Cartoonists, illustrators, and comic artists are encouraged to submit original and creative works, encompassing cartoons, satirical drawings, and comic strips, without thematic or technical restrictions.
Artists selected for the exhibition will have their work prominently featured in a high-profile public gallery held in Skopje, North Macedonia, from November through December 2025. The event consistently garners significant international attention, offering participants the valuable opportunity to gain broader visibility and recognition among industry professionals, fellow cartoonists, art enthusiasts, and collectors. Alongside showcasing artistic talent, the exhibition fosters a dynamic environment for cultural exchange and dialogue, affirming OSTEN’s commitment to celebrating humor, satire, and artistic creativity.
Moreover, the World Gallery of Cartoons emphasizes artistic excellence and originality through its competitive structure, featuring prestigious awards that recognize lifetime achievements and exceptional contributions to cartoon and comic art. Award-winning works not only receive monetary prizes and special honors, but they also benefit from extensive media exposure and publication in the official exhibition catalog. By maintaining high standards and showcasing compelling artworks, the event continually positions itself as a vital platform for advancing the appreciation and development of cartoons and satirical art internationally.
Entry fee: free if the submitted works remain in the OSTEN Collection; a $20 fee applies if the artist wishes to have unselected works returned.
Eligibility
Open to professional, semi-professional, and amateur cartoonists worldwide.
Prize
The competition offers several awards: the Grand Prix for Lifetime Achievement ($1,500 and a sculpture), First Award ($1,000 and a plaque), Second Award ($500 and a plaque), five Third Awards (plaques), five Special Awards (plaques), and the Cico Award (plaque) for a Macedonian cartoonist. Awarded cartoonists receive cash prizes (where applicable), printed certificates, and a copy of the catalog by mail. Finalists receive digital certificates and a PDF version of the catalog via email.
