With the project “Brieftopia” begins the preparation of the XXVI Biennial of Humour and Satire in Art
The House of Humour and Satire in Gabrovo has started preparations for the XXVI edition of the Biennial of Humour and Satire in Art through the project “Briftopia: art between crises and imagination”. The initiative will take place from 21 March to 30 June 2026 in the form of an international laboratory with a group exhibition and a rich accompanying programme.
What the project involves
‘Briptopia’ brings together artistic practices – public events, video, interactive installations and workshops– focusing on the role of art in uncertain times and the power of the imagination to offer alternative scenarios for the future.
Within the lab are planned:
- a series of events
- curatorial tours
- author workshop
- a two-day international symposium on 23 and 24 May 2026 with the participation of distinguished lecturers and authors (including Boris Budin, Francisco Carballo, Magnus Bartos, Edgar Schmitz, Snezhanka Mikhailova, etc.)
What does “bripthopia” mean
The term “Brieftopia” (Brieftopia) is a neologism combining brief (short) and utopia (utopia). It was introduced by the Iranian artist and researcher Behzad H. Nouri, a participant in the exhibition and co-curator of the next Gabrovo Biennial together with Snezhana Krasteva. The term describes a brief moment in which art becomes intertwined with “practices of imagination” and becomes a temporary refuge and orientation towards possible future scenarios.
Participants
The upcoming lab includes. Nuri, Boryana Petkova, Antoni Raizhekov, Lexi Fleur, Luka Cvetkovic.
Why is it important for Gabrovo
The project aims to consolidate Gabrovo’s role as an active centre for contemporary art and international cultural exchange by creating conditions for meetings between audiences, artists, researchers and curators.
Funding and support
“Briftopia” is implemented with financial support from the National Recovery and Sustainability Plan under the procedure “New generation of local cultural policies for large municipalities”, investment “Development of cultural and creative sectors”, component “Social inclusion”.
Period.
Programme highlight: International Symposium – 23-24 May 2026.
House of Humour and Satire, Gabrovo