Basel invites illustrators from every country to take part in this new comic competition. The prizes awaiting the winners include the opportunity to show their works to a large audience on flags on the Mittlere Rheinbrücke bridge in Basel and at an exhibition designed by the Cartoonmuseum Basel – Centre for Narrative Art at FANTASY BASEL (The Swiss Comic Con).
For the first time, the Cartoonmuseum Basel, FANTASY BASEL, the Christoph Merian Foundation and Basel Tourism are launching an international comic competition under the main theme ‘Friendship’. A highlight will be the flag installation on the Middle Bridge (4–18 May 2026), as well as the presentation of the award-winning works at FANTASY BASEL (14–16 May 2026). The competition aims to strengthen the visibility of the ninth art in public space and to create a lasting impact for Basel as a comic art destination.
The international competition is aimed at all those who view themselves as creators of the ninth art. The aim is to make different artistic positions visible and to embed comics in the public space and in the exhibition context as a contemporary art form.
Each artist may submit a comic story of a maximum of two pages. A total of 20 comics will be selected from all the entries, five of which will be from newcomers. All submitted works will also be shown there in a digital presentation.
All 20 selected artists will receive standard remuneration of 1,500 CHF, four one-day tickets for FANTASY BASEL – The Swiss Comic Con 2026 and a travel allowance of 500 CHF. Additionally, there will be an invitation to the vernissage on 4 May 2026 (no additional expenses covered).
