In 1981, exactly 40 years ago, the local cartoon contest of Kruishoutem was open to foreign cartoonists for the the first time. The Euro-kartoenale was born!

In those early days the exhibition was still dominated by drawings in black and white, drawn with only a few, but well chosen lines. These fine line drawings became colourful detailed artworks over time. But the aim stays the same: transferring a messag, challenging us to think critical and of course ... make us smile and chuckle. A cartoon reflects the era we live in. It's a symbol of our norms and values, it holds a mirror up to ourselves. 

In these exceptional times, during a worldwide pandemic, we chose an optimistic topic for the 23rd edition: 'Chances and Opportunities' This year 714 cartoonists, from 80 countries and the 5 continents were inspired by the theme.

The Italian cartoonist Marilena Nardi wins the Euro-kartoenale Kruishoutem ‘Chances and Opportunities’. She is the first women in the 40 years of existance of the Euro-kartoenale who did break the glass cartoon ceiling.  

The winners:

• 1st Prize: Marilena Nardi (Italië)
• 2nd Prize: Jerzy Gluszek (Polen)
• 3th Prize: Muammer Olcay (Turkije)
• Best EU Entry : Alessandro Gatto (Italië)
• Best Belgian Entry: Constantin Sunnerberg - COST
• Prize of the ECC: Alexander Sergeev (Rusland)

There were honorable mentions for Mojtaba Heidarpanah and Davoud Housmand Taghiabad from Iran and Zbigniew Wozniak (Polen).

As a regular visitor, I see that this year the Euro-kartoenale Kruishoutem has once again surpassed itself. For the first time in its 40-year history, the Euro-kartoenale has a female winner. Her cartoon depicts a woman literally trying stacks of books to herself so that, thanks to her new-found knowledge, she can stand higher, look further and walk faster. At least that's how I interpret it. In any case it's a beautifully drawn image.

 

- Alexander De Croo - Prime Minister of Belgium