What is the Euro-kartoenale ?
The Euro-kartoenale is a two yearly international cartoon contest that is organised since 1978 in Kruishoutem Belgium.
Cartoonists from all over the world are invited each edition to work around one specific theme. These themes are chosen very carefully, are universal, and far from obvious.
In the past, themes such as 'Chicken & Egg', the weather, the circus, money, suitcases, electricity, freedom, 'Sand, gravel and grit', the bicycle, shoes, soil pollution and sanitation, the soul, the wall, etc. have been covered. Working with themes stimulates the creativity of the cartoonist and greatly enhances the quality of the works.
Over the years, Euro-kartoenale Kruishoutem has grown into an internationally qualitative organization that belongs to the absolute world top.
In 2025, the Euro-kartoenale was again awarded the maximum and exceptional 6 stars quality label by the international cartoonists' association FECO.
History
-
In 1978, the Willemsfonds of Kruishoutem laid the foundation for the "Euro-kartoenale". It started with a cartoon exhibition without competition and without a set theme. In 1979, the first real cartoon competition was organized. This competition was only open to Flemish artists and had the theme "Chicken and Egg".
With the gained experience and after careful preparation of two full years, the actual "Euro-kartoenale" was launched in 1981 with the same theme as in 1979. Given the heavy financial burdens that such an organization entails, it was decided to hold the competition only every two years.
1985 marked the definitive breakthrough for the Euro-Kartoenale in the international cartoon world. The number of participants tripled, and the press gave national attention to the competition.
-
In 2007, an absolute peak was reached. Despite the difficult theme 'Locks and Keys', no fewer than 992 cartoonists from 85 countries sent us 4,000 drawings. The submitted works were characterized by high graphic and humorous value.
And so, the success continues. Simplicity, quality, honesty, and respect for the artistic creations of the cartoonist are principles that the organizers hold in high esteem. The themes are carefully chosen, universal, and not always the most obvious, which also distinguishes us from other cartoon competitions.
