Festi'BD de Moulins

A festival born from social inclusion through comic strips

Founded in 2001, Festi'BD de Moulins is an annual comic strip festival that takes place every year in mid-March in the prefecture of Allier. Its originality lies in its social roots: it is organized by the Viltaïs association, a major player in social integration and housing, and more specifically by the Résidence @nima, a structure that hosts over 100 young people aged 16 to 30 – students, apprentices, employees, or job seekers. The festival is thus a formidable tool for inclusion through culture, driven by the energy and commitment of the residents.

Espace Villars, a heritage setting for comics

Festi'BD is held at the Espace Villars, a multi-purpose hall set up in former 18th-century stables, located on rue du Pont Chinard, in immediate proximity to the prestigious National Centre for Stage Costumes (CNCS). This remarkable architectural setting offers a unique backdrop for the festival's exhibitions, signing sessions, and events. Admission is free, making the event accessible to all audiences, from comic strip enthusiasts to families and the curious.

Authors, signings, and exhibitions

Each edition of Festi'BD brings together dozens of comic strip authors, scriptwriters, and illustrators, who come to sign their works and meet their readers. Over the years, the festival has hosted prestigious names in the 9th art: André Juillard (guest of the 1st edition), Jean Tabary, Achdé, André Chéret, Jean-Charles Kraehn, Olivier Grenson, Jean-Claude Fournier, Patrick Sobral, Brice Cossu, and many others. Themed exhibitions highlight the universe of an author or a comic strip movement, complemented by original plates and unpublished works.

The "François Rabeisen" Young Talents Competition

Since 2003, Festi'BD has organized the "François Rabeisen" Young Talents Competition, named after one of the founders of the first comic strip festival in Moulins. This competition is aimed at young illustrators aged 15 to 20 from the Auvergne region and rewards the most promising creators. The winners have their works published in the regional supplement of the daily newspaper La Montagne (100,000 copies), exhibited at the Espace culturel Leclerc, and receive a trophy, a prize of 150 euros, and an invitation to meet professional authors during the festival weekend.

An unmissable event for the 9th art in Auvergne

With over twenty editions under its belt, Festi'BD de Moulins has established itself as a major comic strip event in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. Its friendly atmosphere, free admission, and quality programming make it a popular event for both seasoned enthusiasts and the general public. The festival contributes to the cultural influence of Moulins and the vitality of the local associative fabric, while offering young people from Résidence @nima a unique experience in event organization.