Sarjakuva 2026: Finland’s Vibrant Comics Scene Takes Center Stage in France
The Institut finlandais has launched “Sarjakuva 2026,” a year-long celebration of Finnish comics in France. The initiative aims to showcase the inventive and increasingly influential world of Finnish bande dessinée to French audiences, fostering artistic exchange and strengthening cultural ties between the two nations.
A Rising Force in European Comics
Over the past two decades, Finnish comics have gained recognition as a dynamic and innovative force in the European comics landscape. With nearly 130 titles published in French since the early 2000s, created by approximately sixty authors and supported by around forty French publishers, Finland has become a significant contributor to the French publishing industry [1]. Sarjakuva 2026 seeks to build on this momentum and highlight the breadth of talent within the Finnish comics community.
Exhibitions Across France
A central component of Sarjakuva 2026 is a series of five exhibitions planned throughout France in 2026 [1], [2]:
- March 26–29: BD à Bastia Festival, Bastia, Corsica, featuring Eeva Meltio, Juliana Hyrri, Ville Ranta, Tiina Pystynen, Janne Kukkonen and Ulla Donner [2].
- April 11 – May 23: Rencontres du 9e Art – BD Aix, Aix-en-Provence, featuring Miissa Rantanen, Terhi Ekebom, Jyrki Nissinen, Siiri Viljakka and Roope Eronen [2].
- September 25–27: Formula Bula Festival, Paris, featuring Tommi Musturi, Aapo Rapi, Marko Turunen, Hanneriina Moisseinen, Emmi Valve and Roope Eronen [2].
- November 20–22: BD Colomiers, Colomiers, Occitanie [1].
- November 7 – December 19: Finnish Institute in Paris, Exhibition dedicated to Juliana Hyrri [2].
New Magazine Showcasing Finnish Talent
To complement the exhibitions, a magazine featuring original comic creations by thirteen Finnish authors, translated into French, will be published and distributed free of charge at all partner events throughout the year [1]. The logo for Sarjakuva 2026 was designed by Ville Tietäväinen [1].
Sarjakuva 2026 promises to be a landmark event for Finnish comics, offering a unique opportunity for French audiences to discover the creativity and innovation of this vibrant artistic scene.