The Heart of Comics Beats in Leskovac: 28th Balkans Festival of Young Comics Creators Calls for Artists!

Leskovac, Serbia—one of the most established stops in the world of sequential art—is preparing to host the “28th Balkans Festival of Young Comics Creators” from June 26th to 28th, 2026. Merging the art of comics with the rich cultural heritage of the Balkans, the festival continues to unite artists from across the globe.

Final Call for Artists: May 1st, 2026

Building on the massive success of its 2025 edition, which featured 3,173 artists from 52 different countries, the festival aims to reach even greater heights this year. The organizing committee has set the submission deadline for May 1st, 2026.

Participation Categories

The festival opens its doors to artists of all ages and backgrounds:

• Balkan Artists Under 30: Eligible to compete for major awards in the categories of comic book art, illustration, and scriptwriting.
• International Artists & Masters (30+): Artists from any part of the world, regardless of age, are invited to participate in the festival’s digital expo. You may submit existing works as long as they have not been previously exhibited at this specific festival.

Submission Guidelines & Benefits

In recognition of their contribution, every participating artist will receive an official participation certificate and a prestigious printed catalogue featuring the festival’s works.

• Technical Requirements: Submissions must be sent in 300 DPI resolution.
• How to Enter: Send your pages and/or illustrations via email to: balkanska.smotra.stripa@gmail.com.

Corto Maltese and the Spirit of Leskovac

This year’s promotional illustration features the iconic Corto Maltese sharing a friendly table filled with Leskovac’s famous local delicacies. This imagery perfectly captures the essence of the event: it is not just about ink on paper, but about friendship, cultural exchange, and the warm hospitality of the Balkans.

For more information regarding the festival’s history and details, please visit the official website at www.bsmsa.rs.