The contest returns at a time when the art of cartooning is facing serious challenges worldwide. In many countries, the professional opportunities available to political cartoonists are shrinking, while newspapers and other media outlets are devoting less and less space to cartoons. Some long-established international cartoon contests have come to an end, while others are struggling to survive. Yet cartooning remains a powerful form of expression that challenges war, exploitation, injustice, and oppression. Don Quichotte is determined to continue its journey and keep the free and critical voice of cartoon art alive.
As in previous years, the Istanbul Association for Thought and Education will once again be the project partner of the 14th International Don Quichotte Cartoon Contest. The two organizations have previously collaborated on socially relevant projects addressing themes such as “Violence Against Women,” “Child Brides,” “Istanbul: The Bridge Between Europe and Asia,” “The City of Istanbul,” “Earthquakes,” and “Youth Brain Drain.” Their first joint project of 2027 will bring the impact of artificial intelligence on humanity’s future into the international cartooning spotlight.
By examining both the opportunities and potential dangers of artificial intelligence, the contest aims to bring cartoonists from different countries together on a shared platform for reflection, discussion, and critical expression.
CONTEST RULES AND REGULATIONS
14TH INTERNATIONAL DON QUICHOTTE CARTOON CONTEST THEME: “QUO VADIS AI?”
Artificial intelligence (AI) is bringing about one of the greatest technological transformations in human history. From science and art to medicine and everyday life, it offers countless new possibilities. However, this rapid development also raises growing questions and concerns.
Could artificial intelligence, originally developed to serve humanity, one day become a force that guides human behavior, influences our decisions, or even escapes our control? Equally worrying are the unintended consequences of poorly directed AI systems and the possibility of AI being deliberately used for harmful purposes. Are we moving toward a future in which it becomes impossible to distinguish reality from fiction and human choices are shaped by algorithms?
The ability of scientific discoveries to be used for both beneficial and destructive purposes is described by the concept of “dual-use technology.” Knowledge and inventions are generally neutral; it is human intention that directs them toward good or evil. From this perspective, perhaps what we should fear most is not artificial intelligence, but natural human intelligence.
While artificial intelligence is already achieving remarkable results in many fields, it also raises concerns about widespread unemployment in the future. As its role in everyday life continues to expand, its influence in the global arms race is also growing.
Every scientific advancement that benefits humanity is undoubtedly valuable. Yet the possibility that a technology developed to serve humanity today could be used for entirely different purposes tomorrow—even against humanity itself—has become one of the major concerns of our time.
Perhaps the most important question on this journey is:
WHO IS REALLY BEHIND THE WHEEL?
We invite cartoonists from around the world to question both the opportunities and the dangers of artificial intelligence and to reflect on humanity’s future through humor, criticism, and free thought.
Through their cartoons, we invite them to ask:
“HEY, WAIT A MINUTE! WHERE ARE YOU TAKING US?!”
CONTEST RULES
- Entries will be accepted exclusively online. Cartoons should be submitted by email to info@donquichotte.org.
- Submitted cartoons must be original, must not have received an award in any previous competition, and must not have been published anywhere before. If a violation of these conditions is discovered, any award granted may be revoked.
- Cartoons must be submitted in A3 format, at 300 dpi, as JPEG files.
- Although the theme of the contest is “Artificial Intelligence,” all entries must primarily be created through the participants’ own creativity and drawing skills—in other words, using “Natural Intelligence.” AI-generated elements, such as a figure or a small visual detail, may be incorporated into a limited part of a cartoon. However, cartoons generated entirely by artificial intelligence are strictly prohibited and will not be accepted into the contest.
- All submitted cartoons will be reviewed by the Preliminary Jury, which will select 100 finalist cartoons.
- The finalist cartoons will be displayed for two weeks on the official website, www.donquichotte.org, and on social media.
- During this period, any cartoons found to be copied or substantially similar to existing works will be disqualified.
- The submission deadline is February 28, 2027.
- The International Jury will evaluate the finalist cartoons on March 15, 2027, and the results will be announced on March 31, 2027.
- The award ceremony will take place in early May 2027 at Maji Art Gallery in Istanbul, Türkiye.
- Cartoonists of all ages are welcome to participate. Each participant may submit a maximum of three cartoons.
AWARDS
- First Prize: €1,000 + Certificate
- Second Prize: €750 + Certificate
- Third Prize: €500 + Certificate
- 10 Honorable Mentions: Certificates
- Special Awards: Certificates
PRE-SELECTION JURY
- Erdoğan Karayel (Germany)
- Hayati Boyacıoğlu (Germany)
INTERNATIONAL JURY (Alphabetical Order)
- Abbas Naaseri (Iran)
- Angel Boligan (Mexico)
- Elena Ospina (Colombia)
- Erdoğan Karayel (Germany)
- Gürbüz Doğan Ekşioğlu (Türkiye)
- Marco De Angelis (Italy)
- Marilena Nardi (Italy)
- Marlene Pohle (Argentina)
- Massoud Shojai (Iran)
- Pawel Kuczynski (Poland)
- Peter Nieuwendijk (Netherlands)
- Tan Oral (Türkiye)
