Comic fans, artists, writers and creators from across the world are gathering in Kendal for The Lakes International Comic Art Festival from Friday.
The three-day event is set to showcase the very best that the comic world offers.
From big names to emerging talent, the festival brings a diverse mix of comic art styles, storytelling and outstanding creativity to Kendal.
The festival includes live drawing, creative workshops, a comic market place, debates, cartoonists, satire, exhibitions, exclusive signings and some of the most amazing comic artists from across the globe.
The festival offers a diverse, international line-up of guests from the UK, Europe, the US, Africa, China, the Philippines and more. The majority of guests will be joining us in Kendal with some guests, due to travel restrictions, joining us via live streaming.
This year the festival is looking at how comics can change the world by tackling some of the biggest issues of our time. The festival will showcase comics responding to climate change, the role of comics in improving educational attainment, how comics can be used to promote health messages and the power of political cartooning.
Julie Tait, festival director said: “We are so excited to be back in Kendal to celebrate the wonderful world of comic art! This year we have comics that are genuinely breaking new ground, reaching new audiences and tackling the biggest issues of our time.
“There will be debates, live draws, creative workshops, exhibitions, a comic art trail and activities for all the family. We are looking forward to welcoming all our guests and visitors to Kendal for a weekend celebration of comic art.”
Highlights of the festival include:
Battle of the Toons
The Friday night opening gala is live from Kendal and New York.
The festival is collaborating with the National Cartoonists’ Society Festival, with will be a balloon debate featuring eight guests, each taking on the role of their own chosen comic character. At the end of the night, only one will survive, and that depends on how well they make their case to our audience.
The Comics Clock Tower – marketplace
A comics marketplace returns to Kendal with the line-up reflecting the wide range of both mainstream and independent talent working in the comics medium across the UK. The free Comics Clock Tower takes over Kendal Town Hall for the festival weekend.
Comics up close
Leading international academics, creators and comic advocates from across the globe explore how comics are in the vanguard of delivering social change. Guests will showcase projects from across Europe and demonstrate the positive impact comics can have.
Martin Rowson: What a Fur Cup exhibition, Cross Lane Projects
Martin Rowson is a multi-award-winning cartoonist, illustrator, writer, graphic novelist, broadcaster, ranter and poet.
For nearly 40 years Martin Rowson has been the scourge ofthe political establishment, focusing his unflinching eye and scurrilous wit on those in power. What a Fur Cup will feature some of Rowson’s most powerful political cartoons, caricatures and comics and present an entertaining journey through the past forty years of politics and celebrity.
Little LICAF – for younger comic fans
Little LICAF will be running activities both physical and online for younger comic fans and aspiring creators. Comic artists Sayra Begum, Neill Cameron, Hannah Eaton and Marc Jackson will be running free bookable workshop sessions on Saturday and Sunday.
In conversation with Dave McKean
Dave McKean, one of the world’s most respected comics creators, discusses new graphic novel Raptor and future projects with Paul Gravett on Saturday at noon.
The Art of Creation
On Saturday, four top European guests at work – Manuele Fior (Italy), Jul Maroh (France), Boulet (France) and Lucie Lomová (Czech Republic).
Creative workshops
From stop frame animation and drawing, the workshops are hands-on, practical and brought to you by leading artists working in the comic industry.
The festival is held at venues throughout the Brewery Arts Centre and across the town of Kendal. Please check online for location details and guidance regarding the accessibility ofour venues.
Tickets are on sale now for this physical event from the festival website at www.comicartfestival.com
