L'Esprit BD — Colmar BD Festival

L'Esprit BD: Over Twenty Years of Passion for the Ninth Art in Colmar

Since its first edition in 2005, the Colmar BD Festival, powered by the association L'Esprit BD, has established itself as the flagship comic strip event in Alsace. Founded in 2003 in Colmar, this local association brings together over eighty members, including about twenty Colmar-based illustrators—from young talents to established artists—and fifteen professional authors. Their common ambition: to promote the ninth art in the Haut-Rhin region and beyond.

A Friendly and Accessible Festival

Every year, in March, the Salle des Catherinettes, in the heart of Colmar's historic center, hosts the festival for an entire weekend. The event offers a rich and varied program, designed to appeal to seasoned collectors, newcomers, and families alike. Visitors can browse the stands of authors and publishers, discover themed exhibitions highlighting the work of recognized or emerging artists, and attend signing sessions for direct and privileged interaction with the creators.

Encounters at the Heart of Creation

One of the festival's strengths lies in the quality of its encounters with authors and illustrators. Each edition invites several dozen artists from all over France and sometimes beyond, offering visitors the opportunity to discover diverse graphic universes: classic Franco-Belgian comics, graphic novels, manga, comics, children's comics, and independent albums. The signing sessions, organized throughout the weekend, provide authentic moments of exchange between creators and their audience.

A Dedicated Space for Youth

The festival places great importance on the young audience. Fun and creative activities are offered to children: drawing workshops led by authors, comic strip-themed games, animated readings, and contests. These activities allow younger attendees to be introduced to the art of graphic storytelling in a supportive and stimulating atmosphere, making the festival a truly family-friendly event.

Strong Local Roots

Located in the heart of Colmar, a city of art and history renowned for its exceptional architectural heritage, the festival benefits from a remarkable setting. The L'Esprit BD association maintains close ties with the local cultural fabric and actively contributes to Colmar's artistic life throughout the year by organizing exhibitions, workshops, and events outside the festival. This dynamic association ensures the event's sustainability and constant renewal.