The 38th Olense Kartoenale, one of Belgium’s longest-running international cartoon competitions, has officially opened its call for entries for the 2026 edition. The announcement was made through the competition’s newly launched website and an official newsletter distributed to cartoonists worldwide on 1 July 2026, inviting artists from around the globe to submit their work.
According to the organizers, the new Olense Kartoenale website is now online, allowing participants to register and upload their cartoons through the official submission platform.
This year’s competition features the main theme “The Universe”, while Amnesty International once again sponsors a special award under the theme “The Right to Freedom of Expression.” Cartoonists of all nationalities and ages are welcome to participate in either the Youth or Adult category, regardless of whether they are professional or amateur artists.
Two Categories
The competition is divided into two sections:
- Youth Category: Up to and including 15 years of age.
- Adult Category: 16 years and older.
Main Theme: “The Universe”
The 2026 edition invites cartoonists to explore one of humanity’s greatest mysteries—the universe itself.
From the origins of the cosmos and distant galaxies to black holes, planetary systems, dark matter and humanity’s place within an immeasurable universe, artists are encouraged to transform scientific curiosity, philosophy and imagination into powerful visual satire and creative storytelling.
Amnesty International Theme: “The Right to Freedom of Expression”
The special Amnesty International category focuses on one of the world’s most fundamental human rights.
Freedom of expression allows individuals to share opinions, information and artistic ideas without interference. The organizers emphasize that editorial cartoons and satire continue to play an essential role in democratic societies by encouraging debate, criticism and creative freedom while also recognizing the responsibilities that accompany free expression.
Official Newsletter Invites Cartoonists Worldwide
In its official newsletter released on 1 July 2026, the Olense Kartoenale team encouraged artists to “unleash your creativity” and present their work to an international audience.
The newsletter also reminds participants that:
- Registration is available exclusively through the official competition website.
- Submissions sent by email will not be accepted.
- The deadline for entries is 10 September 2026 at 00:00 (Belgian time).
Awards
Adult Category
- 🥇 First Prize — €1,500
- 🥈 Second Prize — €700
- 🥉 Third Prize — €400
- Fourth Prize — €300
- City of Bialogard Prize (Polish participants only) — €200
- Amnesty International Special Prize — €500
Youth Category
- Best International Entry — €250
- Best Belgian Entry — €250
How to Enter
Artists wishing to participate must register through the official Olense Kartoenale website and upload their cartoons using the online submission system.
Official Registration & Submission Website:
https://www.olensekartoenale.be
Click “Register” to create your entry and upload your cartoons.
Competition Rules:
https://www.olen.be
Participants may submit up to five cartoons for each theme.
Technical requirements:
- Digital works only
- JPEG format
- A4 size (21 × 30 cm)
- Minimum resolution: 300 dpi (2480 × 3543 pixels)
- Cartoons should not contain explanatory text.
The organizers have emphasized that entries sent by email to kartoenale@olen.be will not be accepted. All submissions must be uploaded exclusively through the official website.
Deadline, Ceremony and Exhibition
The deadline for entries is 10 September 2026 at 00:00 (midnight), Belgian time (GMT).
The winners will be announced during the official award ceremony on 13 November 2026 in Olen, Belgium. A selection of accepted cartoons will be exhibited at the venue through the end of December 2026, and selected works will also be published in the official exhibition catalogue, with participating artists receiving a complimentary copy.
Share this content:
Discover more from Feridun Demir
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
