Australia’s biggest comics literary festival returns to Perth over the last weekend of July at the State Library of Western Australia, with a stunning assortment of international stars, national guests, a packed market hall of independent creators and free, family-friendly workshops.
On Saturday the 27th of July, the Academy Day will feature a full program of sessions for readers, creators, educators and librarians who are keen to deepen their knowledge of the comics medium.
Academy Day highlights include:
Vietnamese-American author Thi Bui discussing her award-winning autobiographical work The Best We Could Do, which details her family’s journey fleeing the Vietnam war.
Spanish-American author Rosemary Valero-O’Connell sharing her process for creating the LGBTQI+ masterpiece Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me.
Australia’s own Trace Balla showcasing her creative process for turning environmental field research into heartfelt narratives.
On Sunday the 28th our famous Market Day will be abuzz with over 100 comics creators showcasing their works at the State Library of Western Australia. The PCAF Market Day is the largest gathering of comic authors in Australia and includes acclaimed publishers, international award-winners, and fan favourites from near and far.
Our free, all-ages workshops on Sunday are designed to empower and inspire, with a variety of hands-on activities run by some of the best comic-makers in the country. Come along to our annual Battle Royale, where brave cartoonists will compete in a series of grueling challenges to see who is crowned Best in the West.
PCAF’s annual literary journal TALE TOWN returns with a free issue dedicated to exploring the existential, economic and creative threat that generative artificial intelligence poses to comic-makers. With PCAF’s bold anti-AI stance making waves across the international comics community and being adopted by other festivals, this issue is a firestorm of advocacy and humanity.
The Perth Comic Arts Festival is a volunteer-run, not-for-profit organisation that has been running for seven years. PCAF advocates for comic-creators, runs free monthly professional development workshops, curates exhibitions, commissions new works and provides studio space.
Visit pcaf.org.au for more information.
