Rules 2026

    

INTERNATIONAL BIENNIAL OF CARDBOARD ENGRAVING

“FRAGMENTS OF A VISION: QUADRIPTYCH”

The printing of engravings from cardboard plates is practiced by many artists, both in France and abroad.
With the aim of bringing them together and promoting this unique approach to printmaking as widely as possible, C.E.C. (Carton Extrême Carton), an artists’ collective, is organizing its 4th International Biennial of Cardboard Engraving, in partnership with the municipality of Ville-d’Avray.

The exhibition will take place from May 21 to June 14, 2026, at Galerie l’Entr@cte,
3–5 rue de Versailles, 92410 Ville-d’Avray, France.

Conditions of Participation

Open to all artists, with no age or nationality restrictions.

⚠️ Please note: Cardboard engraving is not collagraphy.
Although you may partially combine it with collagraphy or other printmaking techniques — or even include digital printing — the “cardboard engraving” element must remain predominant.

Similarly, Tetra Pak, a composite material whose printable surface is metallic, may be used only in a limited way, since this exhibition is dedicated specifically to cardboard engraving.

The selection jury reserves the right to reject works that do not meet these criteria.
The jury’s decisions are final.

The list of selected artists will be published on the Biennial’s website
👉 https://biennaleinternationaleducartongrave.com,
and artists will receive an email notification of their selection, along with communication materials.

Theme: “Fragments of a Vision: Quadriptych”

The quadriptych is based on the creative combination of four panels that together form a unified image.
Although the term refers to a specific type of polyptych, its meaning opens up many interpretive possibilities.

The theme should be approached through a set of four prints, arranged as the artist chooses.
The four prints, when assembled, should form a complete image.
Some suggested configurations are provided at the end of this document, though these are not binding.

Each print in the polyptych must measure 30 × 20 cm or 20 × 30 cm (paper size).

It is also possible to submit a three-dimensional work, under two conditions:

  1. Each element must still respect the required format (30 × 20 cm).
  2. Please contact us beforehand to confirm that your proposed installation can be exhibited.

When submitting your work, please include an installation guide to help us hang or install it correctly.

Participation Fee

Participation fee:

  • €40 (return shipping by standard post, non-tracked)
  • €55 (return shipping by tracked post)

Payment methods: PayPal, bank transfer, or cheque.
CEC will not be held responsible for any postal losses.

Cheques should be made payable to Carton Extrême Carton.
PayPal payments can be made directly through the Biennial website:
👉 www.biennaleinternationaleducartongrave.com

Bank transfer details are provided in the registration form, downloadable from the website.

Please note: Participation fees are non-refundable in case of non-selection.
Participation is confirmed only once payment has been received.

Registration and Submission of Works

By email:

  • The completed registration form must be sent before March 20, 2026,
    together with photos of:
    • the cardboard plates (150 dpi), and
    • the complete work composed of 4 modules (10×15 cm at 300 dpi).
      (Be sure to send a high-quality image, as it will be used in the catalogue.)

Email address: bicgcec@gmail.com

By post:
Works must be mailed no later than March 25, 2026 to:
Pascale Simonet / CEC
43 rue de la Ronce
92410 Ville-d’Avray – France

Selected artists will be notified by email in mid-April 2026, and the full list will be published on the Biennial website.

Works that do not meet the specified conditions (size, technique, etc.) will not be accepted and will be returned after the exhibition.

Insurance

All works are insured by CEC from the time of receipt until return, and throughout the exhibition period.

Catalogue

  • Selected works will be featured on the collective’s Facebook and Instagram pages, as well as on other partner pages.
  • A printed catalogue will be published and available for purchase at the exhibition.
    Each exhibiting artist will receive one free copy.

Exhibition

  • Works will be displayed from May 21 to June 14, 2026
    at Galerie l’Entr@cte, 3–5 rue de Versailles, Ville-d’Avray.
    Opening hours: Thursday to Sunday, 3–7 p.m.
  • Artists agree that their works may be displayed without frames, using magnets.
  • Artists are encouraged, when possible, to attend or assist during the exhibition period.

Sale of Works

In case of sale, transactions are made directly in the artist’s name.
CEC takes no commission.

Payments may be made on site by cheque or credit card.
CEC uses the SUM UP system for card payments.
In this case, the amount transferred to the artist will be the sale price minus the SUM UP commission.
Artists who do not wish to use this system must inform us in advance.

For works sold during the exhibition:

  • In France: cheques made out to the artist will be sent along with the return of unsold works.
    Cash sales will be transferred via cheque, bank transfer, or PayPal where possible.
  • Outside France: payments will be made via PayPal.

Return of Works

  • Works will be returned by the end of July 2026 at the latest.
  • If the package cannot be delivered (e.g. incorrect address) and is returned to Carton Extrême Carton,
    it will only be reshipped once the artist has provided the corrected address and covered any additional postage fees.

SUMMARY

  • Registration: by email before March 20, 2026, with photos (150 dpi for plates, 300 dpi for the final work).
  • Signed regulation form: sent by email or post before March 25, 2026.
  • Payment of participation fees: before March 25, 2026.
  • Submission of works: by March 25, 2026, to
    Pascale Simonet / CEC, 43 rue de la Ronce, 92410 Ville-d’Avray, France.
    (Please label the package “No commercial value.” CEC does not cover customs fees.)
  • Selection and notification: from mid-April 2026.
  • Exhibition: from May 21 to June 14, 2026, at l’Entr@cte.
  • Opening reception: date to be announced.
  • Return of works and payment for sold works: by end of July 2026.

Participation implies full acceptance of these terms.
Organizers cannot be held responsible for unforeseen circumstances requiring a change of exhibition dates.

For any questions, please contact us at
📩 bicgcec@gmail.com
and include a phone number so we can reach you directly if needed.

Explore the quadriptych proposals – ICI