The Cult Lab Foundation will present an independent stand at the 63. Bologna Children’s Book Fair. At the heart of its programme is the exhibition Beyond the Page, bringing together 12 contemporary Bulgarian illustrators and their work on newly published children’s books from 2025 and 2026.
Supported by the Ministry of Culture, the project spotlights contemporary Bulgarian illustration while positioning its artists as active contributors to the global visual and publishing landscape.
The exhibition features both established figures and emerging voices: Albena Limon, Antonia Mechkueva, Veselin Pramatarov, Vyara Boyadzhieva, Kalina Muhova, Kristina Tuzharova, Martin Stanev, Mila Yaneva-Tabakova, Mira Miroslavova, Mihaela Angelova, Stella Dreis and Yasen Grigorov.
The selection explores a range of relationships between image and text—from image-led storytelling to autonomous visual narratives that extend the story beyond the printed page.
“Contemporary Bulgarian illustration is evolving within a context of intense international exchange and diverse publishing practices. This environment fosters experimentation and places strong emphasis on individual artistic voice. Beyond the Page captures this dynamic and multi-voiced scene—confident, distinctive and in active dialogue with global trends. Our aim is to expand opportunities for international visibility and professional development for Bulgarian illustrators,” says Elena Mosholova-Georgieva, Chair of the Cult Lab Foundation.
The stand’s visual identity and spatial design have been developed by the independent design agency Post Studio, which has created a cohesive concept centred on the idea of illustration as an experience that extends beyond the book.
The featured key visual is by artist Stella Dreis, taken from her new book Obacht!.
The project Beyond the Page: Bulgarian Children’s Book Illustrators, initiated by the Cult Lab Foundation, is realised with the involvement of established professionals in children’s publishing, animation, illustration and cultural management, including Vesela Dancheva, Emil Markov, Anna Hadzhimisheva, Silvia Choleva, architect Nikolay Marinov, and collaborators.
