Cartooning for Peace Partners with the 2026 “Libérons les crayons” Event in France

From 7 to 31 January 2026, the city of Blagnac (France) will once again become a meeting point for press cartoons, freedom of expression and civic values. As part of the Chemins de la République programme, the Haute-Garonne Departmental Council is organising the third edition of “Libérons les crayons” (Free the Pencils), in partnership with Cartooning for Peace.

Each year, Chemins de la République brings together initiatives that promote secularism and the core values of the French Republic. Designed for all audiences, these activities aim to encourage learning, discussion and social cohesion. In 2026, cartoons once again take centre stage.

Workshops for Students: Learning to Read the World Through Cartoons

Between 7 and 31 January, new educational workshops will be offered to secondary school students in Auterive, Pechbonnieu and Blagnac. With the participation of cartoonists from RABASTIGNOUS and the association Dessinez, Créez, Liberté, students will explore how press cartoons work:
how an idea is built, how current events are transformed into images, and how humour and satire can question reality.

The goal is not only to draw, but to think, to understand how a single image can express a strong opinion, spark debate, or challenge dominant narratives.

Exhibition: Press Cartoons in All Their Forms

As part of the event, Cartooning for Peace presents the exhibition “Le dessin de presse dans tous ses États” (Press cartoons in all their forms) from 7 to 31 January 2026. The exhibition will be displayed on the railings of Collège Henri Guillaumet, located on Allée des Mûriers in Blagnac.

Organised on the occasion of the 11th anniversary of the Charlie Hebdo attacks, the exhibition offers an overview of press cartoons from around the world. It highlights cartoonists as sharp, pacifist observers of social and political problems—professionals who often pay a high price for their work.

Through humour and satire, these artists defend freedom of expression and play a crucial role in maintaining democratic debate, especially in times when those freedoms are under threat.

Remembering Charlie, Defending the Pencil

Names such as Cabu, Charb, Honoré, Tignous, Wolinski, Elsa Cayat, Bernard Maris, Mustapha Ourrad, Franck Brinsolaro, Frédéric Boisseau, Michel Renaud and Ahmed Merabet remain symbols of courage and freedom.
7 January 2015 is not only a date of remembrance, but also a reminder of why press cartoons matter.

As part of Libérons les crayons, a round table discussion titled “Freedom of expression: 10 years on, what remains of the Charlie spirit?” reflects on the role of press cartoonists and journalists today. The discussion, originally held within the programme, is also available to watch on video.

Why This Event Matters

“Libérons les crayons” is not just an exhibition or a series of workshops. It is a clear statement: the pencil is still free, and cartoons remain a powerful tool to question power, defend rights and keep public debate alive.

For cartoonists, readers and students alike, Blagnac in January 2026 is a reminder that drawing is not only an art form—but also an act of freedom.