Erbil is hosting the inaugural International Cartoon Festival at the local Mumtaz Haydari Library. Organizers designed the global gathering to bring together international illustrators while placing literature at the center of the visual arts.
Festival supervisor Jabar Saber explained that the cultural initiative highlights the fundamental relationship between reading and human development. Furthermore, the international competition pays tribute to the enduring intellectual legacy of prominent Kurdish writer Mumtaz Haydari.
Participating artists can submit original works across two primary thematic categories focusing on literature and portraiture. The first category explores how books shape human life in an increasingly digital world. Meanwhile, the second category focuses on artistic caricature portraits of the renowned Kurdish journalist.
Organizers have explicitly banned artificial intelligence tools, requiring artists to demonstrate their own creativity in every submission. Artists must follow specific technical requirements when preparing their digital entries before the October submission deadline. Competitors can submit up to two original works per theme using high-resolution image formats.
The committee has also established monetary prizes, including a $500 award for the top portrait winner. Successful participants will receive official digital certificates and have their works included in a printed festival exhibition catalog.
Throughout his life, Mumtaz Haydari devoted personal financial resources to establishing libraries and supporting journalism in the region. Consequently, the festival connects Kurdish illustrators with established visual artists from around the world.
Through visual satire and creative expression, organizers aim to bridge artistic interpretation with the educational values of literature. Looking ahead, cultural leaders expect the festival to develop into a permanent annual platform for international creative exchange.