What I Learned from Attending International Cartoon Exhibitions

“In my early days as a cartoonist, I never imagined my drawings would travel farther than my hometown. But when my first cartoon was selected for an exhibition in Europe, I discovered something that changed my life: cartoons speak every language.”
— Arifur Rahman, founder of Toons Mag and Cartoonist Network

Introduction: More Than Just Walls and Frames

An international cartoon exhibition is not just a place where drawings hang on white walls. It’s a global conversation, a celebration of creative resistance, and a reminder that lines on paper can cross borders more easily than people can.

Over the past 15 years, I’ve been lucky to participate in—and organize—numerous international cartoon exhibitions, from Norway and Slovakia to India, Sweden, and beyond. Each time, I’ve learned something not just about the craft of cartooning, but about humanity, culture, and the power of visual storytelling.

In this post, I’ll share the most important lessons I’ve learned—so that whether you're an aspiring cartoonist, a teacher, or a curious fan, you’ll understand why these exhibitions matter and how you can be part of them.

1. Your Work Can Speak for You

I remember the first time I saw one of my cartoons hanging in an international gallery. It was in Stavanger, Norway, part of a Toons Mag exhibition on Children’s Rights.

Standing in the gallery, I saw visitors reading the cartoon, pausing, nodding, and even taking photos. No one knew who I was. But my art was speaking. Loudly.

Lesson:

You don’t need to be fluent in English, famous, or verified on Instagram.
Your cartoon can represent you—with honesty, humor, or protest—without ever uttering a word.

2. Cartoons Are a Universal Language 

At exhibitions, I’ve met cartoonists from Iran, Italy, Indonesia, Brazil, and Ghana. We often don’t speak the same language. But when we swap sketchbooks or stand in front of a powerful cartoon—we understand each other completely.

What travels across borders:

• A child under rubble (war)

• A bird in a cage (freedom)

• A leader with a puppet string (corruption)

You don’t need to translate truth. You just need to draw it.

3. The World Is Bigger—and Smaller—Than You Think

International exhibitions opened my eyes to the real struggles and joys of artists around the globe.

What I learned:

• In Slovakia, cartoonists fear arrest for satirical portraits.

• In Sweden, cartooning is resistance and remembrance.

• In Norway, satire is protected and respected.

• In Nepal, cartooning is a tool for both mockery and movement-building.

The world is vast. But cartoonists everywhere—no matter the politics—are drawing to express, provoke, and connect.

In 2008, Cartoonist Ranan Lurie (left) and Arifur Rahman (right), in Kathmandu, Nepal. Photo from South Asian cartoon congress 2008. An old photo from archive.

4. Exhibitions Are Where Courage Meets Community

One of the most moving experiences was attending an exhibition in Kathmandu, Nepal in 2008. The cartoons depicted occupation, exile, and loss. But also love, laughter, and survival.

Takeaway:

Exhibitions are acts of creative resistance. When we draw truthfully, we risk backlash. But when we exhibit together—we stand stronger.

5. Critique, Humility, and Growth 

At these exhibitions, I’ve received praise—but also critique. And I’m grateful for both.

Lessons in humility:

• A cartoon I thought was clear was misread in a different culture.

• A composition that worked in print fell flat on a gallery wall.

• A young cartoonist once said, “I like your idea, but it feels too safe.”

Art is not finished when you publish it—it evolves in conversation. Exhibitions teach you how to listen and grow.

6. How to Get Invited or Participate 

You don’t need a gallery agent or a huge portfolio to participate.

Here’s how to start:

🔍 Look for Open Calls

• Follow platforms like ToonsMag.com

• Join CartoonistNetwork.com to find submission alerts

• Follow organizations like FECO (Federation of Cartoonists' Organisations) and Cartooning for Peace

📩 Submit Thoughtfully

• Follow the theme (e.g., “Press Freedom,” “Climate Change,” etc.)

• Respect file formats and deadlines

• Include your name, country, and short bio

📚 Keep a Submission-Ready Folder

• High-res versions of 5–10 of your best cartoons

• Your updated bio and photo

• Title and date for each cartoon

🎨 Bonus Tip: Even if you’re not selected, keep trying. Curators remember persistence and improvement.

7. Exhibiting Isn’t the End—It’s a Beginning 

Many cartoonists think being exhibited is the end goal. It’s not. It’s the start of new conversations, collaborations, and courage.

Because of exhibitions, I’ve:

• Met lifelong creative partners
• Been interviewed by human rights organizations
• Organized new exhibitions myself
• Mentored young cartoonists
• Discovered new causes to draw about

👥 When your art enters a public space, it starts a dialogue you couldn’t have alone.

8. FAQs About Cartoon Exhibitions 

Q1: Do I have to attend in person?
No. Most exhibitions accept digital submissions and print your work locally. Attending is a bonus—but not required.

Q2: Will I be paid for exhibiting?
Not always. Some exhibitions offer honorariums, some don’t. But exposure, networking, and press opportunities often lead to paid work later.

Q3: How many cartoons should I submit?
Follow each call’s guidelines. Usually 1–5 pieces per theme.

Q4: Will I lose the rights to my cartoons?
No—legitimate exhibitions credit the artist and only use the work for that show or catalog. Always read the terms.

Q5: Can beginners participate?
Absolutely. Talent, honesty, and relevance matter more than fame.

9. Final Thoughts and a Global Invitation 

Attending international cartoon exhibitions has taught me that we’re not just drawing for ourselves—we’re drawing for the world.

Every cartoon you draw carries your vision, your humor, your questions. And when placed on a wall next to others, those drawings become a chorus—louder, richer, and more urgent.

So if you’ve ever wondered:

• “Is my cartoon good enough?”

• “Will anyone understand my message?”

• “What’s the point of sending my art abroad?”

The answer is this: Yes. Yes. And because the world needs your voice.

🎨 Submit your work.
🖋️ Join a call for entries.
🌍 Or organize an exhibition in your own city.

And when your cartoon is seen by someone on the other side of the world, remember: you’ve already crossed the border of doubt.

✅ Start today:

• Check open calls at ToonsMag.com

• Join CartoonistNetwork.com to find and connect with curators and fellow artists

• Share your exhibition stories or questions in the comments