Open call for International Biennale of Glass in Bulgaria

Artists of all ages and nationalities are invited to apply for the sixth International Biennale of Glass (IBG) in Bulgaria, IBG 2027, which will mark 10 years since its foundation.

The exhibition will take place from 24 September to 5 December 2027 at the National Gallery/Kvadrat 500 in Sofia, Bulgaria, and will again celebrate the work of contemporary glass artists from around the world.

Founded in 2017 on the initiative of artist Konstantin Valchev, a graduate of Prof. Stanislav Libenský and founder of the Glass Atelier at the New Bulgarian University in Sofia, the IBG has established itself as a leading platform for international dialogue in glass art. From its inception, IBG has aimed to position Bulgaria as an active meeting point for artists, curators, and institutions working across diverse schools, techniques, generations, and creative practices.

Held biennially, IBG has grown into a major cultural forum featuring exhibitions, lectures, educational programmes and more. Its guiding motto, ‘Together’, reflects its core mission: to unite emerging and established artists and to foster exchange, collaboration, and shared artistic growth.

Alongside its exhibition programme, IBG has developed a significant collection of donated pieces from participating artists. Over the years, this has grown to over 250 artworks, forming an important archive of contemporary glass art in its international and stylistic diversity. Selected works are on display in a permanent exhibition at the Gabensky Gallery in Tryavna, while others are shown in various exhibition formats and spaces.

The selection of participating artworks for IBG 2027 will be conducted by an international jury committee, ensuring a diverse and high quality showcase. The National Gallery of Bulgaria has been the official host and co-organizer of the event since 2019.

The deadline for applications is 15 August 2026.

The application form for IBG 2027 is available here.

For more details about IBG, please visit the official IBG website.