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LGBTQ+ comic art festival to debut in 2021
Following the postponement of its launch, Pride Comic Art Festival (PrideCAF), the inaugural event will be held in 2021.
Originally planned as part of Bristol Pride 2020, PrideCAF is founded and organised by Nathan Adam, a IT technician who is also an illustrator and podcaster.
“The original plan in 2020 was for PrideCAF to be a part of Bristol Pride week as it was set for the weekend before Pride Day,” says Nathan, who is 34.
is needed now More than ever
“This year, Bristol Pride are still in the planning stages for their main events so PrideCAF is very much its own thing for now.”
The event has received backing from Bristol Pride and had received funding from the Bristol Bear Bar.
The debut PrideCAF will take place on Saturday, September 4 at the Station, with applications open for exhibitors until May 31.
PrideCAF will give independent LGBTQ+ creators a chance to sell their work after a difficult year. The full lineup will be released in summer, but comic writer Joe Glass and illustrator Sarah Millman are already confirmed.
Joe Glass, comic writer of the LGBTQ+ super hero series THE PRIDE. Image: PrideCAF
There will also be talks throughout the day from guests, with topics including writing comics and running successful funding campaigns.
The event was inspired by LGBTQ+ comic convention Flame Con and Tab Kimpton’s Rainbow Road, a map of LGBTQ+ artists at Though Bubble, the largest comic art festival in the UK. PrideCAF is also a direct response to the need for less party-focused LGBTQ+ events.
“With more independent artists out there identifying as LGBTQ+ and creating stories for others in the community it’s really important to give them a platform where they can be seen and celebrated,” says Nathan, who grew up reading comics and graphic novels and has always been inspired by independent art shown at conventions.
“The largest percentage of visibility and income for independent queer artists is at comic conventions and events such as PrideCAF. Expect a room filled with amazing artists and equally excited comic and art lovers
“I’m hoping this will be a really fun day for everyone and a celebration after such a rubbish year and few months.”
Main image: PrideCAF
Read more: Comic fair to be at Bristol Pride for the first time
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