Call for Participation: International Cartoon Salon “Peace Without Words” Opens in Colombia

The Fundación Espiral Vital has announced the International Cartoon Salon “Peace Without Words”, organized in tribute to the late Colombian cartoon master Betto – José Alberto Martínez (1968–2024), internationally recognized for his powerful silent graphic humor and wordless cartoons.

The competition invites cartoonists from all over the world to explore the universal theme of peace through visual storytelling without using words or dialogue.

Theme: Peace Through Silent Cartoons

The salon focuses on the concept of peace from all contexts and perspectives. All submitted works must be completely silent, containing no text, captions, or speech bubbles.

The organizers emphasize that only human-created artworks are accepted, and AI-generated cartoons will not be considered.

Participation Conditions

• Open to cartoonists worldwide
• Theme: Peace
• Maximum of 2 artworks per participant
• Format: A4 size, 300 dpi
• Accepted file formats: PDF, JPG, PNG, or GIF
• Maximum file size: 3 MB per artwork
• Cartoons must be wordless and without dialogue
• AI-generated works are strictly prohibited

By participating, artists accept all participation conditions and authorize Fundación Espiral Vital to reproduce and exhibit submitted works for promotional and cultural purposes, in accordance with Colombia’s Personal Data Protection Law 1581 of 2012.

Submission Deadline

The submission period runs from May 2 to August 2, 2026.

Registration

Participants must complete the official registration form and upload their cartoon files exclusively through the online application form. Entries sent by any other means will not be accepted.

The registration form is available here:
Official Registration Form

Submitted works will be evaluated by a jury composed of cartoonists, editors, and writers.

Exhibition and Jury

Selected and awarded artworks will be exhibited during the International Cartoon Salon “Peace Without Words”, scheduled from September 17–26, 2026, at the Gimnasio Moderno Library in Bogotá D.C., Colombia.

The works will also become part of the traveling exhibition titled “Póngale Cacumen”, which will tour different regions of Colombia.

Awards

🥇 First Prize

• Publication in El Espectador – Opinion
• Two original artworks by renowned Colombian editorial cartoonists
• ¥5,000 Chinese Yuan

🥈 Second Prize

• Publication in El Espectador – Opinion
• Two original artworks by notable Colombian editorial cartoonists

🥉 Third Prize

• Publication in El Espectador – Opinion
• One original artwork by a prominent Colombian editorial cartoonist

The International Cartoon Salon “Peace Without Words” aims to celebrate the universal language of visual humor while promoting peace, creativity, and intercultural dialogue through the art of silent cartoons.