The Ministry of Economy, Innovation, Digital Affairs and Energy and Dock 11, the platform of the Saarland creative industries, are once again calling for applications for the grant award endowed with 5,000 euros. Artists from the fields of comics and graphic novels residing in Saarland are eligible to apply.
After the successful start in 2024, when Eric Heit was awarded for his graphic novel "Offbeat-Knight," the Dock 11 Comic Award will now continue. The aim of the sponsorship prize is to support outstanding talents in their professional development and the exploration of new markets. Applications can be submitted until September 30, 2026. The public award ceremony will take place on December 3, 2026, in Saarbrücken.
The comic sector is at the intersection of storytelling, communication design, and digital content – a growing field with economic potential that has so far lacked specific structures in Saarland. This is exactly where the award comes in:
Minister of Economic Affairs Jürgen Barke will present the award.
Artists of the comic and graphic novel scene combine outstanding storytelling, creative character design, and drawing skills with great commitment and perseverance. The comic industry is also growing in Saarland, and with the Comic Award, we want to give our talents the opportunity to further develop their stories, reach new readers, and make their creative work visible.
Minister of Economic Affairs Jürgen Barke
The jury
The award is decided by an independent jury. They evaluate the submissions based on artistic criteria as well as originality, marketability, and economic potential. The jury 2026:
Application
Applications are now open until September 30, 2026. Submissions can be made online at: https://dock11.saarland/comic-award-2026/
Terms and Conditions
Award Ceremony
The public gala will take place on December 3, 2026, from 7 p.m. at the event venue Zum Hirsch (Saargemünder Str. 11, 66119 Saarbrücken). The program includes a panel discussion with the jury, a musical comic reading by Andreas Möller (The Loner Comics) and pianist Stefan Münzer, as well as a reading by jury president Elizabeth Pich from her new book "Fungirl Forever." Registration via https://dock11.saarland/comic-award-2026/preisverleihung/
