18th International Cartoon Exhibition OSCARfest 2026 – Osor, Croatia

The traditional OSCARfest Cartoon Exhibition, held in the historic town of Osor on the island of Cres, Croatia, marks its 18th edition in 2026. Celebrating its “coming of age,” the festival focuses its theme on the rituals and concepts of celebration in isolation.

Exhibition Schedule and Venue

The exhibition will be open to the public from June to November 2026 at the OSOR Community Center, Town of Mali Lošinj, Croatia.

Main Topic: Celebration on a Desert Island

As OSCARfest reaches its 18th year, the central theme is the act of “celebration.” Artists are invited to explore their creativity within the following conceptual frameworks:

• Types of Celebration: Birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, public holidays, or New Year’s Eve.
• Philosophical Approach: Is it possible to celebrate on a desert island? Can one celebrate peace, perseverance, boredom, solitude, or the confusion faced in life?
• Coming of Age and Responsibility: The rights gained at 18 (voting, driving licenses, marriage) and the transition into taking responsibility for global issues.
• Absurdist Perspectives: Delivering a cake to a desert island, a Trojan horse scenario, a mob popping out of a cake, or the simple joy of survival and unity.
• Universal Message: Celebrating Caricature as the strongest medicine against stupidity and injustice—a wordless, universal language for humanity.

Participation Rules and Format

1. Eligibility: The exhibition is open to all artists regardless of nationality, age, gender, or profession.
2. Number of Works: Each participant may submit 1 to 3 cartoons.
3. Technical Requirements: Cartoons must be without words. Works that have been previously awarded in other contests are accepted.
4. AI Restriction: Works produced by Artificial Intelligence (AI) are strictly prohibited.
5. Format: A4 size (210×297 mm), RGB color mode, JPG (JPEG) format, and 300 dpi high resolution.
6. File Naming: Files must be named as follows: Name-Surname-Artistic Name-Country-Number (e.g., Dragutin-Kovacevic-DADO-Croatia-1).

Selection Process and Jury

• First Selection: MSc. Branka Hlevnjak, art historian and critic, will select one cartoon from each registered author based on topic relevance, originality, and artistic quality.
• Second Selection: A committee including the winners of the 17th OSCARfest will select a maximum of 200 cartoons for the final exhibition.
• Jury of Visitors: Winners are chosen by the visitors of the exhibition through a secret vote (1st place = 3 points, 2nd place = 2 points, 3rd place = 1 point).

Prizes and Rights

The authors of the first, second, and third-placed works, as well as the top-ranked Croatian cartoonist, will receive:

• A personal exhibition at the 19th OSCARfest 2027.
• Official diplomas and sponsorship awards.
• An invitation to serve as a selector for the 19th OSCARfest 2027.

Submitted works remain with the organizer and may be used for promotional and non-commercial purposes (catalogs, posters, media) with the author’s name credited, without royalties.

Submission and Contact

• Deadline: May 15, 2026.
• Email Address: oscarfest.croatia@gmail.com
• Entry Form: Please download and complete the official application form to include with your submission:Download OSCARfest 2026 Entry Form (PDF)

Organizer: ARTour-Nerezine Association Program Leader: Dado Kovačević Supported by: Town of Mali Lošinj, Mali Lošinj Tourist Board, and the Croatian Cartoonist Association.