Panama Invites Cartoonists to Participate in the 2nd International Cartoon Festival 2026

The organizers of the 2nd Expo Cartoon Panama 2026 have officially opened entries for the second edition of their international cartoon festival, inviting cartoonists, illustrators, and graphic humor artists from around the world to take part in a unique exhibition dedicated to one of the most important symbols of Panama.

This year’s theme is “The Panama Canal as a Historical and Cultural Symbol.” Participants are encouraged to explore the Canal’s role in shaping history, identity, cultural diversity, and the connection between nations through the language of cartoon and graphic humor.

The competition welcomes original works created specifically for the theme. Organizers emphasize that only digital submissions will be accepted and that artworks generated using artificial intelligence (AI) are not eligible for participation.

Cartoons may be created in black-and-white or color and must be submitted in JPEG or PNG format with a resolution of 300 dpi. The required format is A4–A3 size, although the regulations also specify that each participant may submit only one work in A4 format.

Entries must be sent by email to expocartoonpanama@gmail.com and should include the artist’s full name, artistic name (if applicable), and country of residence. The filename must contain the participant’s name and country.

The submission deadline is August 1, 2026.

An international jury will evaluate the artworks based on artistic quality, interpretation of the theme, and humorous value. Selected works will be exhibited on September 16, 2026, in Panama City as part of Expo Cartoon Panama.

The competition offers a Grand Prize of US$500 for the winning artist.

According to the organizers, the selected works will become part of the Expo Cartoon Panama Archive and Permanent Exhibition and may also be included in traveling exhibitions presented in different regions of the country.

Participation is free of charge and open exclusively to adults. Works containing offensive, discriminatory, or hate-promoting content will not be accepted.

With its focus on one of the world’s most famous waterways, the 2nd International Cartoon Festival in Panama offers artists an opportunity to reflect on the cultural, historical, and symbolic significance of the Panama Canal through the universal language of cartoon art.

Competition Summary

Event: 2nd Expo Cartoon Panama 2026
Country: Panama 🇵🇦
Theme: The Panama Canal as a Historical and Cultural Symbol
Deadline: August 1, 2026
Format: One digital cartoon, A4 format, JPEG/PNG, 300 dpi
AI-generated works: Not accepted
Prize: US$500
Exhibition: September 16, 2026, Panama City
Email: expocartoonpanama@gmail.com