Organizer Information
Fantasy Basel is Switzerland’s largest pop culture convention, held annually in Basel. The event brings together creators, publishers, illustrators, performers, and fans from across Europe and beyond. Covering comics, gaming, cosplay, film, fantasy, and science fiction, Fantasy Basel functions as a major cultural platform within the Swiss and European creative industries.
Beyond entertainment, the convention actively supports emerging artistic talent through curated exhibitions and competitions. The Comic Competition forms part of this commitment, offering professional exposure, financial remuneration, and a public exhibition opportunity in a high-visibility urban setting.
Title & Description
Fantasy Basel Comic Competition 2026 – Jury Selection & Public Exhibition
The Fantasy Basel Comic Competition 2026 invites comic artists and visual storytellers to submit original works for jury selection and public exhibition. Twenty artists will be selected by a professional jury at the end of March 2026.
The selected works will be presented in two formats:
- Public Outdoor Presentation (Flags Installation): From 4–18 May 2026, selected artworks will be displayed as flags along the iconic Mittlere Brücke in Basel, creating an open-air comic exhibition accessible to the general public.
- Exhibition during Fantasy Basel 2026: From 14–16 May 2026, the works will also be showcased as part of the official Fantasy Basel convention program.
The competition does not include rankings, categories, or first prizes. Instead, it focuses on equal recognition: all selected artists receive identical remuneration and visibility. The initiative emphasizes artistic quality, narrative strength, and strong visual impact suitable for large-scale public display.
Categories
- Comics
- Graphic Novels
- Sequential Art
- Illustration
- Visual Storytelling
Eligibility
- Open to artists internationally
- Emerging and professional comic artists
- Individual creators (collaborative works may be accepted if specified in guidelines)
- No ranking structure; equal recognition for all selected artists
Applicants must submit original work and hold full rights to the material.
Program Benefits & Awards
All 20 selected artists will receive:
- CHF 1,500 standard remuneration
- CHF 500 travel allowance
- Four one-day tickets to Fantasy Basel – The Swiss Comic Con 2026
- Public outdoor exhibition (4–18 May 2026) on Mittlere Brücke
- Official exhibition during Fantasy Basel (14–16 May 2026)
- Invitation to the vernissage on 4 May 2026 (no additional expenses covered)
Important:
- There is no ranking system
- No first, second, or third prizes
- All selected artists receive equal compensation and exposure
This structure positions the program more as a curated exhibition opportunity with financial support rather than a competitive prize hierarchy.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
Applicants are expected to provide:
- Completed online submission form
- Personal details and contact information
- Short biography or CV
- Digital files of the submitted comic artwork
- Project description (if required)
- Confirmation of originality and copyright ownership
Technical specifications (format, resolution, dimensions) must comply with official guidelines. Works should be suitable for large-format flag display.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Submission Deadline: 15 March 2026
- Jury Selection & Decision: End of March 2026
- Vernissage: 4 May 2026
- Flags Installation (Public Display): 4–18 May 2026 (Mittlere Brücke, Basel)
- Exhibition during Fantasy Basel: 14–16 May 2026
Location
Mittlere Brücke, Basel, Switzerland
Additional Details
- Works will be presented in a prominent public urban space, offering high civic visibility.
- The exhibition format (flag installation) requires strong visual clarity and impact at scale.
- Travel support is partially covered (CHF 500 allowance).
- The vernissage invitation does not include additional cost coverage.
- The competition is structured as a curated selection rather than a tiered award system.
This opportunity is particularly valuable for artists seeking European exposure, public art experience, and professional recognition within the comic and pop culture sector.