-Flight of Butterflies- International Cartoon Exhibition- IRAN SHIRAZ 2026

The “Flight of Butterflies” International Cartoon Exhibition 2026, to be held in Shiraz, Iran, has announced an international call for cartoonists in both professional and children’s categories.

The exhibition focuses on the human cost of war, particularly its impact on children, students and teachers. Its central themes refer to the deadly attack on the Shajareh Tayyebeh school in Minab and the broader subject of children and war.

The Minab school was struck on February 28, 2026, during the opening phase of the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran. Published casualty figures have varied, while subsequent investigations and reporting indicated that a United States strike was likely responsible. A final public accounting had not yet been completed as of July 2026. 

Exhibition Themes

Cartoonists may submit works addressing either of the following themes:

    Students and teachers killed in the attack on the Minab school in Iran

    Children and War

Through the symbolic title “Flight of Butterflies,” the exhibition seeks to create an international visual response to the suffering of children in armed conflicts and to promote peace through cartoon art.

Participation Rules

There is no limit on the number of artworks that each participant may submit.

Artists are free to choose their preferred technique, and entries may be produced in either black and white or color. Works must be prepared in A3 or A4 format.

The use of artificial intelligence is prohibited. Any work created with the assistance of artificial intelligence will be excluded from the exhibition. 

Participants must complete the official participation form and submit it together with their artworks.

Artists whose works are selected for an award by the jury will be required to send the original artwork to the festival secretariat before receiving their prize.

Submission Deadline

The deadline for submissions is:

Thursday, September 3, 2026

Entries and completed participation forms should be sent by email to:

minab168.iran2026@gmail.com

Awards

Professional Category

The three selected cartoonists will each receive:

    A certificate of appreciation

    A commemorative exhibition sculpture

    A special prize of 40 million tomans

Children’s Category

The two selected young cartoonists will each receive:

    A certificate of appreciation

    A commemorative exhibition sculpture

    A special prize of 20 million tomans

Cartoonists whose works reach the final selection and are accepted for the exhibition will also receive certificates of appreciation. 

The “Flight of Butterflies” International Cartoon Exhibition invites artists of all ages to use satire, symbolism and visual storytelling to defend children’s right to safety, education and life in a world increasingly affected by armed conflict.