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Tehran cartoon biennial draws artists from 70 nations, resuming after eight-year hiatus
The 12th Tehran International Cartoon Biennial showcases works from artists representing 70 countries, according to Aidin Mehdizadeh, Director-General of the Visual Arts Office at the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance.
The biennial was jointly organized by the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance and the Tehran Municipality’s Art and Culture Organization. The resumption of the biennial, a cornerstone of Iran’s visual arts scene and a globally recognized platform for cartoonists, has been hailed as a testament to the dedication of Iranian artists and the collaborative spirit between governmental and municipal bodies.
Mehdizadeh, the event’s high international standing attracted submissions from a broad spectrum of nations, with many Iranian artists residing abroad opting to participate under the Iranian flag.
The collaborative effort between the ministry and the Tehran Municipality, spearheaded by Deputy Artistic Affairs Mehdi Khorsani Zadeh, was instrumental in overcoming logistical challenges and ensuring the biennial’s timely realization.
Mehdizadeh emphasized the importance of such inter-agency cooperation, noting that it should extend beyond the arts to encompass all cultural initiatives. “This event belongs to all Iranians, artists, and institutions,” he stated. The biennial boasts the highest monetary prize for cartoonists globally, awarding a total of €26,000 in foreign currency and approximately 5 billion Iranian rials in domestic currency. The exhibition, curated by Masoud Shojaei Tabatabaei and managed by Abbas Ghazi Zahedi, remains open to the public at the Saba Cultural and Artistic Institute until February 10, 2026. Following the awards ceremony, a display of finalist and winning works will be available for viewing.