Deadline: 02-July-2026
The Ministry of Culture has launched the Competitive Grants for Comic Creation to support the literary creation of original comic works and promote artistic development in the field of sequential art. The programme encourages innovation, cultural contribution, and the production of high-quality comics while supporting linguistic diversity and safeguarding creators’ rights.
About the Program
The programme supports the development of original and unpublished comic projects that contribute to the growth of the comics sector.
The programme focuses on:
- Original comic creation
- Artistic and literary development
- Innovation in sequential art
- Cultural contribution through comics
- Promotion of reading habits
- Support for works in Spain’s official and legally recognized languages
- Reduction of the gender gap in comic creation
- Protection of creators’ rights in the context of generative artificial intelligence
- Recognition of professional comic creators
- Strengthening the comics ecosystem
The initiative aims to encourage creative excellence while promoting diversity and inclusion within the sector.
Program Objectives
The programme seeks to:
- Support the creation of original comic works
- Promote artistic and literary expression
- Encourage innovation in comics
- Foster reading and engagement with sequential art
- Increase opportunities for professional comic creators
- Support linguistic diversity in comic publishing
- Promote gender equality in the sector
- Protect creative integrity and authorship
- Safeguard creators’ rights in emerging technological contexts
- Strengthen the cultural value of comics
Projects should demonstrate originality and contribute to the development of comic literature.
Funding Information
Under the programme:
- A total budget of €1,000,000 has been allocated.
- Forty grants of €25,000 each will be awarded.
In addition:
- Twelve grants are reserved for projects in which at least 50% of the participants are women.
Funding is intended to support the creation and completion of eligible comic projects.
Eligible Projects
Projects must meet the following requirements:
- Consist of original comic works.
- Be unpublished at the time of application.
- Have a minimum length of 40 pages.
- Be written in any official language of Spain.
- Be written in languages with legal recognition under the statutes of autonomy.
The following adaptations are eligible:
- Adaptations of works in the public domain.
- Adaptations of copyrighted works when authorization from the rights holder has been obtained.
Projects should comply fully with the conditions established in the call.
Ineligible Projects
The programme does not support projects that are:
- Already published
- Self-published
- Funded through literary residencies
- Created using generative artificial intelligence
- Supported by other literary creation grants
Applications involving any of these circumstances will not be considered eligible.
Eligible Applicants
The programme is open to:
- Individual comic creators
- Groups of up to six co-authors
Applicants must:
- Be of legal age
- Hold Spanish nationality or be residents in Spain
- Be comic creators such as illustrators, inkers, scriptwriters, or colorists
- Demonstrate previous publication experience
Applicants must have previously published:
- A comic work of at least 40 pages with a publisher in any country, either individually or collaboratively.
For group applications:
- All participants involved in the proposed project must meet the publication requirement.
Applicant Restrictions
The following individuals are not eligible:
- Applicants who have received comic creation grants during the previous two years
- Applicants who have received literary creation grants during the previous two years
Applicants should ensure that they meet all eligibility requirements before applying.
Implementation Requirements
Selected beneficiaries must:
- Complete the funded work within 18 months following the publication of the award decision.
- Submit the completed work to the granting authority for verification.
- Comply with all conditions established in the call.
Failure to comply with these requirements may affect the grant conditions.
Expected Outcomes
Supported projects should contribute to:
- Increased production of original comics
- Greater artistic innovation in sequential art
- Enhanced literary development
- Promotion of reading culture
- Increased representation of women in comic creation
- Greater recognition of professional comic creators
- Protection of creative authorship
- Stronger linguistic diversity in publishing
- Growth of Spain’s comics sector
- Increased cultural participation through comics
The programme encourages projects that demonstrate artistic quality and cultural value.
Assessment Considerations
Applications are considered based on:
- Compliance with eligibility requirements
- Originality of the proposed work
- Artistic and literary merit
- Contribution to the comics sector
- Alignment with the objectives of the programme
- Professional experience of the applicants
- Fulfilment of the conditions established in the call
Projects demonstrating creative excellence and cultural relevance are likely to be viewed favourably.
Why This Program Matters
Comics are an important form of artistic and literary expression that contribute to cultural diversity, creativity, and reading engagement. Supporting comic creators enables the development of new narratives and artistic voices that enrich the cultural landscape.
The Competitive Grants for Comic Creation recognise the value of professional creators by providing financial support for original projects, promoting gender equality, encouraging linguistic diversity, and protecting creators’ rights in a changing technological environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Competitive Grants for Comic Creation?
- The programme supports the creation of original and unpublished comic works while promoting artistic and literary development.
How much funding is available?
- A total of €1,000,000 has been allocated, with forty grants of €25,000 each available.
Are there grants reserved for women-led projects?
- Yes. Twelve grants are reserved for projects in which at least 50% of the participants are women.
Who can apply?
- Individuals and groups of up to six co-authors who are of legal age, hold Spanish nationality or reside in Spain, and meet the publication requirements.
What publication experience is required?
- Applicants must have previously published a comic work of at least 40 pages with a publisher in any country.
Can projects created using generative artificial intelligence apply?
- No. Projects created using generative artificial intelligence are not eligible.
When must the funded work be completed?
- Selected beneficiaries must complete and submit the work within 18 months following the publication of the award decision.
Conclusion
The Competitive Grants for Comic Creation provide professional comic creators in Spain with an opportunity to develop original and unpublished works while contributing to artistic innovation and cultural enrichment. Through dedicated support for creators, linguistic diversity, gender equality, and the protection of authorship, the programme strengthens the future of sequential art and literary creation.
For more information, visit Ministry of Culture.