The first International Cartoon Festival of the Momtaz Haidari Library will be held at the Momtaz Haidari Library in Erbil under the slogan “The Festival of the Book, the Festival of Life,” bringing together cartoonists and artists from around the world.
Jabar Sabir, the festival’s supervisor, said the festival is open to artists from all countries, with each participant allowed to submit up to two works in each category.
He said the festival aims to highlight the importance of books, reading, and knowledge through cartoon art, while honouring the life and cultural contributions of Momtaz Haidari, a prominent Kurdish writer, journalist, and politician.
“The festival is an effort to bring books and reading closer to society through cartoons, an artistic and universal language, while strengthening the connection between art and knowledge,” Sabir said.
He added that the slogan “The Festival of the Book, the Festival of Life” reflects the festival’s message that books are more than collections of pages. They are sources of knowledge and awareness that help shape individuals and societies.
The festival will feature two main categories. The first will focus on books, including their importance, books in the age of technology, and the relationship between books and life. The second category will be dedicated to caricature portraits of Momtaz Haidari.
Sabir said Haidari has always placed special importance on caricature, considering it an important part of culture, art, and journalism. For this reason, the festival has dedicated a separate section to caricatures of him.
According to the participation rules, artists may submit up to two works in each category. Works can be in colour or black and white and must be submitted in A3 size at 300 DPI in JPEG format.
The portrait category will offer three prizes. The first-place winner will receive $500, the second-place winner $300, and the third-place winner $200.
Sabir also said that works created using artificial intelligence will not be accepted. Participants must include their name and country with their submissions.
The organising committee will have the right to use selected works for advertising, publication, exhibitions, and social media promotion. Artists whose works are selected for exhibition will receive a digital catalogue and a digital certificate of participation.
Sabir said the festival aims to create a new opportunity for cartoon art in Kurdistan and connect Kurdish artists with cartoonists from around the world, while placing books, reading, and culture at the centre of its artistic message.
Momtaz Haidari, born in 1938, is a prominent Kurdish cultural and journalistic figure. Throughout his life, he has promoted knowledge and culture through writing, journalism, and cultural activities. He has also dedicated significant financial resources and time to supporting the library and promoting knowledge and culture.
The first International Cartoon Festival of the Momtaz Haidari Library will be held in Erbil, with participation from cartoonists and artists from around the world. The deadline for submissions is October 10, 2026.
