Your chance to exhibit in Artist Alley:
The VIECC® x Faber-Castell Artist Grant 2026

Together with our partner Faber-Castell, we’d like to offer young, up-and-coming talents from Austria the unique opportunity to be part of this year’s Vienna Comic Con—without any financial barriers. This year, we are awarding four free, fully equipped exhibition booths (Artist Alley 2 Units) at VIECC 2026. This exclusive program is specifically aimed at young artists from Austria who have mastered the analog or hybrid craft of pen and paper and want to take the plunge to present their work for the first time to a massive audience of over 45,000 visitors.
An Overview of the Funding Package:
Target Audience
Artists (at least 18 years old) who reside in Austria
Focus
Analog and Hybrid Drawing (Not purely digital, not AI)
Scope of the Grant
Free booth (Artist Alley with 2 units), electricity, parking, and Faber-Castell supplies
Application Period
August 11, 2026, through August 31, 2026
Selection & Jury
Joint jury decision by VIECC and Faber-Castell in September
Event Date
November 21–22, 2026 (VIECON, Vienna Exhibition Center)

Breaking down barriers and providing a platform for the next generation
Taking the leap to present your own art for the first time on a big stage like Vienna Comic Con takes courage. Many young artists in Austria are just starting out on their journey and often ask themselves the same questions: “Am I even good enough for such a big convention yet?” “Is the financial risk of booking a booth worth it for me?” or “How do I organize my first trade show appearance?” Unfortunately , these doubts and the fear of the costs all too often result in great talent remaining unseen. This is exactly where we want to step in, together with our partner Faber-Castell.
Our support program is specifically designed for anyone who has hesitated to take the plunge, can’t yet afford the financial risk of having their own booth, or has simply never exhibited at a convention before. We want to provide a safe, supportive space for you to take your first steps into the professional art scene. By offering four completely free and fully equipped Artist Alley booths, we’re taking the financial risk completely out of the equation. This way, you can focus entirely on what really matters: showcasing your work, connecting with the community, and gaining valuable first-hand experience.


It is very important to us to specifically strengthen the local creative scene in Austria while also providing a tangible platform for analog and hybrid drawing. For many people, working with classic tools like pen and paper is their very first introduction to art. Together with Faber-Castell, we want to celebrate this accessible, traditional craft. As a sponsored exhibitor, you’ll not only have access to top-quality materials on-site, but also the opportunity to draw live right at your booth. This is how we bring the creative process to life for visitors. We want to give you not only a booth at the fair, but also the confidence and the head start you need to successfully begin your journey in the art world.
