Tehran cartoon biennial to host over 70 countries

Artists from 73 countries have so far submitted their works to the 9th edition of the Tehran International Cartoon Biennial.

Some 400 Iranian cartoonists will compete with participants from Albania, Turkey, Russia, Afghanistan, the US, Ukraine, the UK, Syria, Spain, South Africa, Serbia, Romania, Italy, Germany, Brazil, Portugal and 57 other countries.

Biennial director Seyyed-Masoud Shojaei-Tabatabaei has estimated the number of participant countries to reach 85.

The 2009 Tehran International Cartoon Biennial will be held on the theme of fear in the categories of cartoon and comic strip. Participants will also compete with their political portrait caricatures.

The winner will receive the contest's grand prize consisting of 8,000 USD, a trophy and an honorable mention.

The first three winners will receive 2,000, 1,500 and 1000 USD respectively.

The jury panel of the 9th biennial will also award 10 selected artists with honorable mentions and special prizes will be granted by different sponsors, establishments, associations, newspapers and agencies.