International Cluj Comics,
Illustration and Animation Festival
- Second Edition -
The Open Call for the Art Book Fair is currently accepting applications!
Platforma BD - International Cluj Comics Illustration and Animation Festival
Edition II | November 2–6, 2026
Art Book Fair Dates: 3-8 November 2026
Rules and Regulations
Please read the Rules and Regulations carefully before applying. When you’re ready, click “Apply Now,” and complete the application form.
I. Context
Within the second edition of Platforma BD - International Cluj Comics, Illustration and Animation Festival, organized by the ArtiViStory Association, the Art Book Fair will take place as a dedicated space for independent publishing and contemporary practices in the field of artist publications.The Art Book Fair is an integral part of the festival program and functions as an active meeting point between artists, authors, illustrators, independent publishers, and audiences interested in expanded forms of visual storytelling.
The event aims to support artistic practices grounded in authenticity, direct process, and personal expression, encouraging works developed through individual means and committed artistic reflection, while excluding projects created fully or partially with the use of artificial intelligence (AI).
Participation is open to artists aged 18 and over, both nationally and internationally.
Festival Dates: 2 - 6 November 2026
Art Book Fair Dates: 3 - 8 November 2026
II. What We Are Looking For
The Open Call is open to:• visual artists
• comic artists
• illustrators
• designers
• independent publishers / small press
• artistic collectives
• students and graduates
Working in the field of:
• comics / graphic novels
• zines and mini zines
• artist books / artist publications / book objects
• illustrated books and narrative publications
• experimental or hybrid publications
• self published or limited edition publications
• collective publications / small press
We also accept:
• unique works or limited editions; artistic prints such as woodcut, linocut, etching, monotype, screen printing, lithography, risography, and other hybrid techniques;
• narrative illustrations (analog or digital);
• posters, postcards, bookmarks, stickers and other reproducible graphic formats;
• art editions, multiples, and editorial objects;
• editorial extensions of visual practices applied to alternative media (textiles, ceramics), maintaining conceptual coherence and artistic quality;
• projects exploring the relationship between image, text, and material support;
We encourage projects that:
• investigate the book format as object (leporello, foldable books, modular structures, expanded formats);
• integrate experimental print processes or manual production methods;
• explore the relationship between reproduction and originality (editions, variations, seriality);
• function as visual archives, graphic essays, or artistic documentation;
• engage in self publishing and micro publishing practices;
• involve collaborative publishing between artists, authors, and collectives;
• explore alternative distribution methods and independent circulation formats;
• propose hybrid formats between publication and object;
• include graphic interventions related to the display space (within the stand format);
• articulate the dialogue between analog and digital techniques;
• test and expand the conventional limits of the book format;
• explore materiality as a narrative element;
• experiment with hybrid structures and unconventional formats;
Works created fully or partially using artificial intelligence (AI), including generated, assisted, or modified content, are not accepted. All works must be original and directly produced by the author.
Both traditional and experimental approaches are encouraged.
III. Participation Format
Selected participants will benefit from:• a dedicated space (table/stand) within the Art Book Fair;
• the possibility to exhibit and sell their works;
• direct access to the festival audience;
The Art Book Fair is conceived as an active space for presentation and dialogue.
IV. Application Requirements
Applications must include:• artist / collective bio;
• portfolio (PDF uploaded via Google Drive link) — relevant selection of works;
• images of the proposed publications (cover + interior);
• a short description of the practice (200–300 words, in English);
• basic information (author, title, technique, format);
• contact details;
Please read and complete the provided form as required.
V. Selection Criteria
Selection will consider:• artistic quality;
• visual and editorial coherence;
• originality and consistency of the practice;
• relevance within the context of an Art Book Fair;
The aim is to create a diverse and coherent context with a high artistic standard.
VI. Participation Fee
Participation is free at the application stage.If selected, a fee applies:
€25 – PARTICIPATION FEE
The fee covers organizational costs and exhibition space.
VII. Logistics
The organizers provide the general framework (space, organization, promotion), while participants are responsible for their own stand.• participants are responsible for the transport of works and materials, as well as for their travel and transportation.
• each participant ensures the setup, organization, and management of the stand;
• projects must comply with the technical conditions of the space and stand format;
• participants must be present or assign a responsible person;
• stand setup must respect the dimensions and technical requirements;
• participants must use the space appropriately and responsibly;
• installation and dismantling follow the official schedule;
• technical details will be communicated later;
