Welcome to the European office of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom. Our activities aim at fostering dialogue on European politics, democracy and human rights and transatlantic relations.
Animate Europe International Comics Competition 2017
Award ceremony, exhibition and reception
Tuesday, 11 July 2017, 18.30-21.30
Venue: Belgian Comic Strip Center, Rue des Sables, 1000 Brussels
The EU has surely experienced easier times – outside forces and
internal struggles are shaking the once strong and confident body to its very core. The European heartbeat has lost its rhythm. What can we do to “Re-Animate Europe”? That is the question the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom asked comic artists and graphic novelists in the third round of their international comic competition “Re-Animate Europe”. Find out what vision our seven finalists, selected out of more than 70 entries, have for a newly revived Europe”!
Have a look at the entries and meet the artists!
Programme
18.30 Registration
19.00 Award ceremony
20.00 Reception/ atmospheric music by Sofie la Digue & the Blue Skies
Welcome Willem De Graeve Director, Belgian Comic Strip Center
Remarks Dr. Wolf-Dieter Zumpfort Member of the Board of Directors, Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom
Gesine Meissner MEP,
Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe
Maura McHugh & Gert Jan Pos
Comic Book Writer Teacher, editor, photographer
Re-Animate Europe Jury Members
Awards Hans H. Stein Director European and Transatlantic Dialogue, Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom
*Please note that you will be forwarded to a Google sheet. Should you wish to register with us directly, please send an email to register.brussels@fnst.org. Photographs will be taken at the event for use on the FNF website, social media, in the press, FNF marketing materials, and other publications. By entering this event, you consent to FNF photographing and using your image and likeness.
From personifications of the mythical Europe, from stories of refugees and migration to tales about European art and culture – we were overwhelmed by the record number of entries for our “Re-Animate Europe” comic competition.
By our deadline in early February we received 75 entries from 24 different countries. Our expert jury surely didn’t have an easy job selecting our seven finalists.
In the end, however, they found consensus and agreed on the following artists (in alphabetical order):
The seven finalist were now asked to send in their full eight-page comic story. End of May, our jury will meet once more to determine the winner of this years’ competition.
We’re more than looking forward to getting our hands on the completed stories – and finding out who has the most convincing story of how to “Re-Animate Europe”!
With “Animate Europe” we are bringing Europe to life through comics. Our international comic comeptition is currently running in it’s third round (you can enter until 5. February). However, within the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom, we’re not the only ones using the “Ninth art” to spread ideas and messages. Find out what our colleagues in the Philippines are doing:
19 young artists from all over the Philippines shared their dreams for the country in a comic strip!
The Philippine Office of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF) launched its very first comics competition dubbed as ‘I Am Free To Dream’ on 22 June 2015, which aims to exhibit Filipinos’ dreams and aspirations for the Philippines, especially those wishes that ordinary citizens can contribute to making real.
“Filipinos are very creative, not only in drawing but in everyday life – they find ingenious ways to enjoy their freedom!,” said former FNF Country Director Jules Maaten. “The aspirations that the artists sketched for I Am Free To Dream contest are realizable because there is freedom in the Philippines that allow people to pursue their dreams. This is why we should always value our freedom especially when it is challenged,” he added.
The comics contest was organized under the banner of FNF Philippines’ Freedom Project, an annual search for initiatives that promote freedom in the Philippines. The top three artworks, along with the eight finalists’ were printed in a book as a chronicle of how Filipinos would like to see the Philippines in five years. The common theme of the winning entries turned out to be a ‘nation that has greater freedom, and Filipinos that are more responsible.’
On January 12, 2016, the results were released proclaiming the following winners: the entry by Harold Dela Rosa of Talavera, Nueva Ecija (northern part of the Philippines) emerged as the best artwork. Patrick Acma’s (Iloilo) comics on transforming communities through education, and Freddie Vicente’s (Bulacan) illustration on preserving culture and tradition were awarded as second and third place respectively. “They were all very well done, and speak of practical action,” commended Pugad Baboy creator Pol Medina, who was a member of the contest’s jury.
Medina, Presidential Communications Office Assistant Secretary Kael Co, and top advertising agency Lowe Philippines Creative Director Rene Dominguez sat as judges.
The young and talented participants were grateful to have been given a platform by which they could voice-out their dreams for themselves and for the Philippines. FNF Philippines recognizes the power of both the youth and the arts in transforming societies.
Participants were required to submit comics entries that are at least two pages, and a maximum of four pages. The text could be either be in English or Filipino. The entry must be submitted together with a one line description. Professional and amateur artists, teachers and students were eligible to join. National and international entries were welcomed. Aside from seeing the best artworks published in a book, the finalists received cash prizes.
Following the success of the I am Free to Dream Comics Competition, FNF Philippines collaborated with the comics genius and member of the jury of ‘I am Free To Dream’ Comic Competition, Mr. Pol Medina, in compiling his comic strips on Martial Law in one Marcos Special comic book.
“FNF is lucky that Polgas, the famous character of the Pugad Baboy Comics series, is joining the bark against Martial Law. Pol Medina cleverly illustrates the threats of an authoritarian comeback. This book is a smart analysis of what have become of people’s attitudes – their forgetfulness of the atrocities of the past, and their unconscious willingness to give up their freedom,” said former FNF Country Director Jules Maaten.
“We should do what we can to preserve freedom while we are still free,” said Medina at the launch on 14 April 2016 at Plaza Ibarra, Quezon City. In the cover page of his book he wrote: “It wasn’t really my plan to come up with a compilation of anti-Marcos comics, but people kept posting on my facebook page about the glory days of Martial Law. To me, this is like spitting on the victims of atrocities, and this itched me to do something, hence this book.”
Medina first published Pugad Baboy in 1988, and has since become a representation of Filipinos sentiments on political and social issue, and a reflection of the pop culture.
“FNF Philippines looks forward to more initiatives and partnerships that the ‘I am Free to Dream’ Comics and the Pugad Baboy Marcos Special Comics have already started. Filipinos’ talent, ingenuity and love for freedom are astonishing and should be no less than promoted,” adds the current FNF Philippines Country Director Mr. Wolfgang Heinze,
I Am Free to Dream Comics and Pugad Baboy Marcos Special Comics are available upon request. Should you wish to receive a copy, please email FNF Philippines at philippines@fnst.org or send a message on FNF Philippines’ facebook fan page – FNF Philippines: It’s All About Freedom.
Why did we choose the medium of comics, for our Animate Europe competition (currently running in its third round)? Why not movies or caricatures or something else entirely? It might have to do with the fact that we’re right in the heart of comic country Belgium. Willem de Graeve, Director of the Belgian Comic Strip Center and jury member in our first two Animate Europe competition rounds, gives us some insights into why the “ninth art” is so popular in Belgium.
With more than 700 professional comic strip authors, Belgium has more comic strip artists per square kilometer than any other country in the world. It is in this country where comic strips have grown from a popular medium into an art in its own right. Nowhere else are comics so deeply rooted in everyday life and in peoples’ imagination. Continue reading →
Our international comic competition “Animate Europe”, currently running in its third round, is one attempt to create interest in the topic of Europe, launch discussions, thought processes and foster civic engagement, for an informed and open society. It is one examples, how graphic arts and the often neglected comic scene in particular, can be a valuable approach to discussing and presenting social and political issues. The Civil Development Forum, partner in our 4liberty.eu network, has for several years used a similar approach – with the main difference that they focus specifically on economic education. Marek Tatala, Vice President and Economist at the Civil Development Forum (FOR Foundation) shared with us their ideas and strategies behind the project.
Democracy relies on well-educated and informed citizens. This includes knowledge about fundamentals of economics, rule of law and individual rights. All of these aspects should be taught to children at an early age and in a way, which makes it accessible and attractive to them.
That’s why the Civil Development Forum (FOR Foundation), a Polish think tank and 4Liberty.eu network member, decided to develop economic comic books.
In November 2016 FOR Foundation published already the 8th edition of “Econ-Comics” (“Komiksy Ekonomiczne” in Polish).
Comprehensively communicating and discussing political and social issues and creating engagement – definitely not an easy undertaking these days. After all, we’re living in times of often intransparent mass media and an increasingly, or at least so perceived, complex society.
New forms of communication and methods of engagement are required. Our international comic competition “Animate Europe”, currently running in its third round, is one attempt to do just that. It is one examples, how graphic arts and the often neglected comic scene in particular, can be a valuable approach to discussing and presenting social and political issues.
We talked to Eva Hilhorst, graphic journalist and finalist in our previous comic competition, who approaches journalism through storytelling on her platform “Drawing the Times”:
For the third round of our international comic competition “Animate Europe” we are bringing together a seven-head strong international expert jury.
They will evaluate all the incoming comic entries, select the finalists and – of course – the winner of “Re-Animate Europe”.
We are excited to have a good mix of new and familiar faces from previous competition rounds.
Meet them one by one:
Maura McHugh
(Ireland)
Comic Book Writer
Professional Background:
Maura McHugh lives in the West of Ireland, and writes across various media. Her comic book writing has been included in the IDW anthology Womanthology, and she’s written two series for Irish comic book publisher Atomic Diner – her work on Jennifer Wilde with artist Stephen Downey has been nominated for various awards, including an Eagle, and a British Fantasy Award. She’s also co-written a Witchfinder comic book series for Dark Horse Comics in the USA. She’s been on the jury of several international literary and film awards, as well as the British Comic Awards.
Why did you agree to take part in the Animate Europe jury?
I believe in the transformative power of art and the importance of cultural communities – by sharing our creative visions we invite insight and understanding in deep and meaningful ways. The Animate Europe competition is an opportunity to open up a channel for communication that transcends borders and bonds us on the human level.
What does Europe mean to you?
I have grown up with the concept of being both an Irish and a European citizen, and that greater political and cultural connection to the world outside of my island has always been an important part of my identity. It’s a recognition of the value of my home, and an acceptance that it is part of a wider community of nations. It’s being a participant in a complicated and engrossing conversation about shared issues such as progress, culture, trade, justice, and our environment. It’s about dialogue, characters, and our joint narrative – which are also aspects of writing that I enjoy. Europe is our shared story, one we shape through interaction, and that’s something I want to be part of developing.
How do comics and politics/ political education go together?
Comics, like any artform, has a wide variety of expressions, from comedy to tragedy, and that includes the ability to provoke, subvert, or challenge politics. There have been many moving graphic novel memoirs, political cartoons, and works by comic book journalists that have used the medium effectively to tell important stories about our lives and political systems. Comics can be a uniquely expressive lens through which we can focus the spectrum of our lived experiences, and I am constantly impressed with its power and versatility when directed with finesse and imagination.
Artistic director of the Helsinki comics festival and the director of the Comics center in Helsinki. Has done a lot of international projects all around the world.
Why did you agree to take part in the Animate Europe jury?
It’s an interesting competition with a good approach to the medium
What does Europe mean to you?
I identify as European, so Europe is my home.
How do comics and politics/ political education go together?
They go together quite well, as long as the medium is used properly. So quality of work need to be high, as with any other medium.
Andreas C. Knigge is a publicist, lector, translator and literary agent. He was co-founder and editor of the magazine Comixene and later editor-in-chief at Carlsen’s. He published several books on comics, lastly the biographies of Charles M. Schulz and Hansrudi Wäscher. He is the curator of the upcoming exhibition »Comics! Mangas! Graphic Novels« which will be shown at the Bundeskunsthalle in Bonn/ Germany 12.05. – 10.09.2017.
Why did you agree to take part in the Animate Europe jury ?
Since I love the European idea as much as I love comics: Comics from the different countries come from different traditions, have different strength (and limits) – now artists from different places know each other and can learn from each other which results in much better comics.
What does Europe mean to you?
To join forces and share ideas for a common and colorful future.
How do comics and politics/ political education go together?
Comics are a universal language and can be an interesting way to reflect our world, express our hopes (and doubts) and understand each other better.
Coordinator of exhibitions and conservation service
Professional Background:
I’m French and I ‘m coming from Toulouse. During 11 years, I worked in different bookshops (in Toulouse, Alès, Marseille, Bruxelles), responsible of Comics section. This pleasant job gave me a chance to discover comics authors, editors and learn more about fascinating universe of the books and comics. I read a lot of comics of all kinds. At the same time, I studied Art History and prepared and got my doctoral thesis. In January 2016, I joined the team of the Comic Strip Museum, combining my passion for Art and Comics.
Why did you agree to take part in the Animate Europe jury?
It’s a pleasure for me to join your team and discover people related to comics and Europe cultural organization. It’s always exciting to take part in such a programme, discovering current creation, maybe future authors, and having different looks of people, on the Europe and Europeans, on the world!
What does Europe mean to you?
For me, Europe represents open-mindedness, the possibility to learn from the other, share culture, heritage, expertise, economy…It’s a force and a possibility for countries to support each other, for positive projects or rough times by pooling and sharing ways.
How do comics and politics/ political education go together?
Comics are a privileged way of expression for artists and readers, easy to transmit and share. Writers of comic books are today relatively free in their topic discussed (of course it depends of the country). For me, comics are a popular way to deal with the delicate topics (dictatorial, war, conditions for women, illness, racism…) and are able to get information out to the greatest number. Comics can help with the comprehension of society, and for the youngest, it’s a good way to make them aware. Open, comics could contribute to raise awareness and train the citizens of the future!
Gert Jan Pos (Netherlands)
Portraint by/Copyright Jeroen Funke (Netherlands)
Teacher (illustration) at Willem de Kooning Academy Rotterdam, editor, photographer
Professional Background:
Appointed between 2009 and 2012 to promote Dutch comics in the Netherlands and abroad and organizing since exhibitions and other presentations of Dutch and Flemish comics. The last time during the Buchmesse in Frankfurt in 2016.
Why did you agree to take part in the Animate Europe jury?
When it comes to comics there are no borders, comic makers should venture outside their countries, a competition as this provides a platform.
What does Europe mean to you?
No borders, no limits, in the literal and figurative sense. People (should) have an endless possibility in expressing and developing themselves.
How do comics and politics/ political education go together?
Comics can put news and politics into perspective. With humour but also with well- chosen comment on a situation; a good comic sums up the most important in images.
After my study of Visual communication I stated to work as a professional Illustrator. At the same time I founded the comic anthology ‚Herrensahne‘ in Düsseldorf, which won several prices.
My first collection of short stories ‚Sperrbezirk’ was awarded the Icom award for best short story in 2007. In 2011 I started the Webcomic ‚Fahrradmod‘, in 2015 the complete story was published by Carlsen in Germany and was nominated in 2016 for the Max und Moritz-Preis for best German comic and also the public’s choice award. Fahrradmod will be published in Serbia and the Netherlands as well.
Why did you agree to take part in the Animate Europe jury?
Not only that I draw comics myself, I also read a lot of them, so I think I know sufficient about the art form. I sometimes miss the exchange with colleagues, though.
Talking and discussing about comics is something I really like to do. It didn’t need much persuasive power to make me agree to take part.
What does Europe mean to you?
Being German and living in the Netherlands, traveling through a Europe with no borders feels natural to me. I do remember different times though, I still remember my visit in the former GDR, where my mother comes from. The great freedom that has been achieved for Europe since these days I consider very important and worthy of protection.
How do comics and politics/ political education go together?
I think that comics are always a good medium to reach people. For any subject.
Valérie Constant is the founder and director of the communications agency Apropos. She started her career as a journalist, worked as Head of Communications for several cultural institutions, among which the Belgian Comics Strip Center, and the comics publishers Casterman and Fluide Glacial.
