Exhibition 25 years of Euro-kartoenale – Theme: “The Hat – Hats Off!”

Cartoons are more than humour alone – they’re art with a twist. They touch on what matters, hold up a mirror to our world, and bring people everywhere to laugh – and to think.

This winter, step inside Cultuurhuis De Scharbiellie and discover the 25th edition of the Euro-kartoenale “The Hat – Hats Off!”, a leading international cartoon competition that has brought together artists from across the globe since 1978.

Anniversary edition

With 728 cartoonists from 82 countries and 5 continents, this anniversary edition drew remarkable interest. It’s a tribute to all the artists who’ve taken part over the years – and to the many volunteers who helped turn this event into an international success. Hats off! And applause for Javad Takjoo from Iran, who emerged as the winner out of 2,659 submitted cartoons.

As always, the exhibition showcases the endless diversity of interpretations around one single theme. At Cultuurhuis De Scharbiellie, you’ll discover a selection of the 50 best cartoons – witty, thought-provoking and, at times, surprisingly moving.

A must-see for lovers of art with character – and a delightful stop during your visit to De Panne.

A competition of international acclaim

Over the years, the Euro-kartoenale has grown into one of the most respected cartoon contests in the world. Its guiding principles remain the same: simplicity, quality, fairness and respect for artistic creation. An international jury selects the winners and awards several prizes.