The Prairie Comics Festival is back in Winnipeg, bringing together comic book enthusiasts and creators for a weekend of celebration and appreciation of the art form. The festival, now in its fifth year, will take place at the Millennium Library on September 25th and 26th.
Organized by the Winnipeg Public Library and the Manitoba Comics Collective, the festival aims to showcase the diverse and vibrant comic book community in the prairies. Attendees can expect a variety of activities, including panel discussions, workshops, and a marketplace featuring local comic book vendors.
One of the highlights of the festival is the opportunity to meet and interact with over 30 local comic book creators, who will be showcasing their work and sharing their creative processes. This year’s lineup includes well-known names such as GMB Chomichuk, Hope Nicholson, and Scott A. Ford.
In addition to celebrating local talent, the festival also aims to promote diversity and inclusivity in the comic book industry. This year’s theme, “Breaking Barriers,” focuses on highlighting marginalized voices and promoting representation in comics.
“We want to create a space where everyone feels welcome and represented,” says festival organizer and librarian, Kirsten Wurmann. “Comics have the power to tell stories and share perspectives that may not always be heard in mainstream media, and we want to celebrate that.”
The festival will also feature a special exhibit, “Indigenous Voices in Comics,” which will showcase the work of Indigenous comic book creators from across Canada. This exhibit is a collaboration with the Winnipeg Indigenous Comic Book Festival and aims to promote Indigenous storytelling and representation in the comic book world.
The Prairie Comics Festival is free and open to the public, making it accessible for all to attend and enjoy. With a diverse lineup of activities and creators, it promises to be a fun and informative event for comic book lovers of all ages.
For more information and a full schedule of events, visit the Winnipeg Public Library’s website. Don’t miss out on this exciting celebration of comics in the prairies!
