6th “CIK Damadian” Epigrams and Cartoons Competition 2026 Opens for Entries

🇷🇴 The Armenian Union of Romania – Botoșani Branch has announced the 6th “CIK Damadian” Epigrams and Cartoons Competition 2026, inviting cartoonists, epigram writers and humorous poets from around the world to participate.

The competition will take place in Botoșani, Romania, and is organized in cooperation with the PRO Urban Association, local media outlets, TVR Iași, the County Council of Botoșani and several cultural institutions.

The event aims to promote the Armenian community in Romania while paying tribute to the distinguished Romanian-Armenian graphic artist and caricaturist Cik (Hacik) Damadian.

Theme

The theme of the 2026 edition is:

“Radio Yerevan and Armenian Figures”

Participants are invited to create works inspired by the famous satirical tradition of Radio Yerevan or by personalities of Armenian origin associated with Romania.

Competition Sections

The competition consists of three sections:

1. Cartoons Section

Participants may submit up to three original cartoons in one of the following categories:

• Portrait caricatures of Armenian personalities from Romania
• Cartoons inspired by the theme “Radio Yerevan”

Works should be prepared in A4 format and submitted in PDF, JPG or JPEG format.

2. Epigrams Section

Participants should submit:

• Three epigrams on the theme “Radio Yerevan and Armenian Figures”
• Two epigrams on a free theme

The exact phrase “Radio Yerevan” does not need to appear in the text as long as the work clearly addresses the subject.

3. Humorous Poetry Section

Participants should submit:

• Two humorous poems on the theme “Radio Yerevan and Armenian Figures”
• Poems must contain at least four stanzas

Submission Deadline

📅 15 August 2026

Eligibility

The competition is open to participants from all countries aged 18 and over. All submitted works must be:

• Original
• Unpublished
• Not previously awarded in any other competition

Awards

The competition offers cash prizes and diplomas in all categories.

In the cartoon section, the organizers will award:

• First Prize for Best Portrait – 1,000 Lei
• First Prize for Best Theme Cartoon – 1,000 Lei
• Second Prize – 750 Lei
• Third Prize – 500 Lei
• Honorable Mention – 250 Lei

Additional distinctions include the “Ion Pribeagul” Prize for the best epigram and the “CIK DAMADIAN” Award for the best debut and best overall work.

Award Ceremony

Judging will take place between 15–31 August 2026.

The award ceremony is scheduled for 5 September 2026 in Botoșani, Romania.

Submission

E-mail:
uarbotosani@yahoo.ro

Postal Address:

Armenian Union of Romania – Botoșani Branch
Str. Armeana No. 20
Botoșani, Romania

Contact:
Cristian Lazarovici
President of the Armenian Union of Romania – Botoșani Branch

E-mail: cristian.lazarovici@yahoo.ro
Phone: +40 721 293 474