Open Call Small Press Award 2026

Small Press Award open call

Since 2022, Stichting Beeldverhaal Nederland, organizer of Stripdagen Haarlem and Cross Comix, have presented the Small Press Award (SPA) for the best, most beautiful, or most original small press publication of the year. Submissions are now open for the 2026 edition.

Would you like to take part in the Stripdagen Haarlem Small Press Award?

Send in you submission for the Small Press Award 2026

Deadline is May 3. Before registering, please read the criteria your submission must meet. A submission is only considered complete once we have received the following items:

  • a fully completed entry form
  • a physical copy of the small press publication
  • a PDF of the small press publication
  • several photos of the small press publication, attached to the PDF

The physical copy can be sent to:

Small Press Award
c/o Stichting Beeldverhaal Nederland
Postbus 132
2000 AC Haarlem
The Netherlands

Send a pdf of your submission to spa@stichtingbeeldverhaal.nl

What can you win?

The winner receives a cheque for €1,500 and will be invited to curate an exhibition at Cross Comix 2027. The two runners-up will each receive a cheque for €500.

What is Small Press?

Small press is inextricably connected to the world of graphic storytelling. They’re independently published comic editions, often beautifully designed and produced in limited print runs. Compared to publications from established publishers, they give creators even more freedom to express their own unique signature, and they are wonderful examples of the versatility of the medium of comics.

Small Press publications can be handmade or produced in unusual formats, making them true collector’s items. Many comic artists have begun their careers with small press publications.

About the submissions and the award ceremony

On the weekend of 30 and 31 May 2026, Stripdagen Haarlem will once again take place in Haarlem, featuring a wide range of exhibitions, performances, talks, workshops, and other activities.

The SPA winner will be announced during the opening of Stripdagen Haarlem on 29 May.

Submissions can be entered until 3 May. On 15 May we will present the longlist, and after careful deliberation the shortlist will be announced on 22 May. The jury includes, among others, the SPA 2025 winner, Moos Boeke.

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