Each year Stripdagen Haarlem and Cross Comix jointly organize the Small Press Award for small-scale publications of graphic storytelling. The winner of the SPA 2026 will be announced during the opening of Stripdagen Haarlem on 29 May 2026.
May 2026: Curious Dot wins Small Press Award 2026
The collective led Una Jongenelis, with Charlie Jermyn, Jonghwan Jeong and Cato Douwes Dekker convincingly claimed first prize with Curious Dot Vol. 4.
Read more at: Curious Dot Wins 2026 Small Press Award
What is Small Press?
Small press is inseparably linked to the world of graphic storytelling: independently published comic editions, often beautifully designed and produced in limited runs. Compared to publications from established publishers, they allow creators even more freedom to express a unique personal signature. Often they’re wonderful examples of the comic medium in all its versatility. Handmade or produced in unusual formats, these editions are real collector’s items. Many comic artists have begun their careers by publishing small press booklets.
The Small Press Award is organized alternately by Stripdagen Haarlem and Cross Comix. In 2026, it is Haarlem’s turn.
The prizes
The winner of the Small Press Award receives a cheque worth €1,500 and an invitation to curate an exhibition at the Cross Comix Festival in 2027. The two runners-up will each receive a cheque worth €500.
The jury
Menah Wellen is an illustrator and visual notes artist from Amsterdam. She draws live reports of various meetings, from international conferences and meetings to podcast recordings and on film sets.
Mara Joustra is the Head of Program Animation and Comic Design at ArtEZ University of the Arts in Zwolle. In the past she was, among others, creative director of Cross Comix.
Moos Boeke is a young artist and writer who has devoted himself entirely to creating stories. In form, he explores the boundaries between poetry, prose, and script, while in theme, he boldly reiterates. He writes about people: about love, friendship, religion, and conflict, until he understands something about himself and others.
Tonio van Vugt (born 1967) is best known as the founder and editor-in-chief of Zone 5300. He also creates comics himself. From 2014 to 2022, he was the artistic director of the Haarlem Comics Festival.
