65th International Cartoon Contest “Golden Hat” — Belgium 2026

Theme: Free theme

The Golden Hat is part of the Cartoon Festival Knokke-Heist, Belgium, the oldest cartoon festival in the world, reaching its 65th edition in 2026.

Theme

• Free theme — Participants may freely choose the subject of their cartoons.
• Definition: A cartoon is a humorous drawing (caricature of a well-known person, parody of a real situation, or simply a funny scene). It may be a single image or a short comic strip. No moving images allowed.

Deadline

• Start date: 01 September 2025
• Final deadline: 31 December 2025

Participation Rules

• Open to all persons aged 18 years and older.
• Participation is free of charge.
• Participation implies agreement with the contest rules and jury decisions.
• Belgian tax law applies for prizes awarded to foreign participants.

Entries

• Maximum 5 submissions per person (black and white or color).
• Cartoons must not contain text.
• Works may be drawn traditionally or digitally.
• Works must not have been exhibited in Belgium or awarded in other countries.

Format & Submission

• Digital entries: Minimum 2480 × 3500 pixels (A4, 300 dpi).
  • Accepted file formats: jpg, jpeg, eps, tif, psd, pdf.
• Paper entries: Must be flat (not folded), minimum 21 × 30 cm and maximum 30 × 42 cm.
  • Entries under glass, framed, or in other materials will not be accepted.
  • The artist’s name, first name, and address must be written on the back of each work.
• Submissions are only valid with the completed online registration form enclosed with the works.
• Entries must be submitted at the expense of the participant.
• Selected works will be framed with a passe-partout for the exhibition.

🔗 Registration form: Golden Hat Registration Form

Originality

• The author remains responsible for the originality of submitted works.
• Any disputes or claims related to plagiarism are the responsibility of the contributor.

Rights & Ownership

• By participating, artists grant the organizers the right to use works for promotion of the International Cartoon Festival Knokke-Heist and the city.
• Uses may include: cartoon book, catalogue, press/media promotion, posters, leaflets, promotional gifts, or calendars.
• All submitted works become the property of the organizing body.
• Works may be returned upon request and at the participant’s expense.
• Submitted works will be stored for a maximum of 2 years.

Jury

• A professional jury will select cartoons for the exhibition and nominate 10 finalists.
• Selection will be checked for plagiarism before confirmation.
• Winners will be announced at the opening of the Cartoon Festival.

Cartoon Book

• A catalogue will be published in collaboration with Davidsfonds Leuven (subject to budget/technical feasibility).
• Each selected participant will receive one copy.

Prizes

• 🥇 Golden Hat: €5,000 + flight and one night hotel accommodation in Knokke-Heist
• 🥈 Silver Hat: €2,000 + flight and one night hotel accommodation in Knokke-Heist
• 🥉 Bronze Hat: €1,000 + flight and one night hotel accommodation in Knokke-Heist
• 👥 Audience Award: €500

Organizers & Contact

• City of Knokke-Heist / Culture House
  • Maxim Willemspad 1, 8300 Knokke-Heist, Belgium
• 📞 Phone: +32 50 63 04 30
• 📧 Email: cartoonfestival@knokke-heist.be