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International Cartoon Award announced for the second time
The International Cartoon Award – announced by the School of Disobedience and Haslinger / Nagele – is awarded to international cartoonists who take a critical and humorous look at our society.
Following its successful launch in 2023 on the topic of climate change and climate justice – which drew nearly 1,600 submissions from over 500 artists across more than 80 countries – and the accompanying exhibition that has since toured Austria and Germany, the “Kaktus” (“Cactus”) is now being continued.
Kaktus Cartoon Award – 2025
Global conflicts, wars, inequality, poverty, disasters, climate change… And on top of that, the small problems of everyday life. Resignation and escapism? – Not with us!
“It’s time to offer a platform to all those who have always reflected on our society – to present their ideas. Cartoonists show courage in criticizing socio-political shortcomings. That such illustrated commentary might provoke disagreement – or agreement – is only natural. This is the kind of dialogue we must demand.”
Gerhard Haderer, cartoonist and founder of the School of Disobedience
The Kaktus 2025 therefore presents: Die Lösung / The Solution
Artists have always been an important voice during times of upheaval around the world. Cartoonists, through their often unconventional and humorous contributions, are able to highlight problems, challenge preconceived notions, and thus often make a valuable contribution to public debate. With Kaktus 2025, we ask the world’s cartoonists: What is the solution?
“The topic ‘The Solution’ addresses a core competence of both the legal and the humorous realms. Both assess conflicts from an independent distance – and resolve them in their own way: The law resolves them with judgment, while the cartoon dissolves them into laughter through humor.”
Wilhelm Bergthaler, Partner at Haslinger / Nagele and Dean of the Faculty of Law, JKU Linz
The best cartoons will be on display in an exhibition at the Schlossmuseum Linz, where the award ceremony will also take place.
As the submissions are bound to raise questions, expert panels will be held throughout the course of the exhibition starting on October 15th. In addition to the already confirmed topic “Conflict & Solution” (curated by Bernd Wiesinger), four more panels are planned – each shaped by the themes that emerge from the submitted cartoons.
Details about the award can be found at derkaktus.at or summarized here.
“Cartoons and the law are in a tense relationship: Cartoons explore the boundaries of freedom of expression and artistic liberty – pushing right up to the limits set by law. They challenge the law, yet at the same time depend on its protection in order to fully realize their – and our – freedom.”
Wilhelm Bergthaler, Partner at Haslinger / Nagele and Dean of the Faculty of Law, JKU Linz
11. June 2025
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