19th Erlangen International Comic Salon 2020 cancelled

The City of Erlangen has to cancel the 19th Erlangen International Comic Salon. The largest and most significant festival focusing on graphic literature and comic art in the German-speaking realm, was scheduled for 11 to 14 June 2020. The extensive measures put in place to contain the Corona virus had already made preparations extremely difficult for the Cultural Office as well as cooperating partners and exhibitors. The nationwide ban of major events until 31 August provided the final certainty. The “Max und Moritz“ Award, bestowed during the International Comic Salon, will however be presented this year. Details to be confirmed by the organisers.

The comic branch, as the cultural sector at large, have been hit existentially by the current crisis. In order to meet their responsibility towards artists, publishers and the comic scene in general, the City of Erlangen and the Cultural Office initially examined the option to reschedule the biannual festival for autumn 2020. Considering the statements given by the Bavarian Prime Minister and the German Chancellor as well as the resolutions enacted by the Bavarian cabinet, it can be concluded that it will stay uncertain for quite some time, as to when it will be possible again to host major events. In the light of these developments, the postponement of the festival to an alternative date in autumn is unfeasible. All tickets purchased will of course be refunded.

The Erlangen International Comic Salon, organized by the Cultural Office of the City of Erlangen since 1984, attracted 30.000 visitors during its last edition. It has played a decisive role in changing the perception of comics in Germany – not only as a mass medium but also as an art form. The core of the festival is the comic fair with around 250 exhibitors. Numerous new releases are introduced to the public for the first time and nearly 500 artists from around the world can be experienced in person, drawing and signing their books. Other distinctive features are the numerous exhibitions spread across the entire city centre and an extensive support programme including lectures, panel discussions and artist talks, comic presentations, workshops, the Comic Film Fest as well as a Comic Festival for younger audiences. Moreover the prestigious “Max und Moritz“ Awards are presented in various categories by the City of Erlangen as part of the International Comic Salon.

Organiser
City of Erlangen – Cultural Office
Department Festivals und Programmes
Gebbertstraße 1, 91052 Erlangen – Germany
Tel. +49 (0)9131 86-1408, Fax: +49 (0)9131 86-1411
E-Mail: info@comic-salon.de
Website: www.comic-salon.de