International Conference on
Contemporary Character Creativity
Berlin, 7 – 10 May 2026
In its 22nd edition, Pictoplasma, the world’s leading conference on contemporary character-driven creativity, investigates the emerging importance of character-driven visuals as a condensed form of visual narration and their role as active actors in the digital ecosystem – beyond affect, empathy and cuteness.
— In and Out of Character —
Across 3 bustling days, international creators and producers from all visual genres – illustration, animation, game design, crafts, fine and graphic arts – meet for an exchange of strategies and stories to shape the future of figurative aesthetics: featured artist lectures explore the edges of contemporary creative practice; daily workshops, jam sessions and demos allow to get hands-on with new mediums; vibrant discussion spaces connect creators, characters, and commercial contributors; and cutting-edge animation screenings invite all to delve into next-level visual world building.
CONFERENCE
The central Conference presents lectures, presentations, panels and talks on the process of character creation by a hand-picked lineup of the world’s most adventurous artists, avant-garde filmmakers, upcoming talents, cutting-edge illustrators, innovative designers, and creative thinkers.
The accompanying Symposium track dives deep into the genealogies of charactism, peeling back multiple layers of influences, trends and contexts, to unravel the theoretical implications of today’s visual vocabulary; and a dedicated attendee stage gives Picto-participants themselves a podium, mic and opportunity to share their projects and character-driven creation.
Contributing Artists, Speakers and Presenters:
Amedeo Capelli
IT
Italian artist bridging the realms of art, craftsmanship, and mechanics, specialized in automata – mechanical sculptures animated by intricate, non-electronic mechanisms
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Helga Stentzel
UK
Multidisciplinary artist sculpting intricate narratives from everyday elements that unveil messages hidden within the seemingly mundane tapestry of life
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Jun Ioneda
BR
Brazilian multidisciplinary graphic artist blending science fiction, fantasy, queerness, and Japanese influences to create visuals ranging from whimsical to introspective
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Zohar Dvir
IL
Award-winning animation director blending two and three-dimensional elements with a healthy dose of surrealism, inspired by some of the bigger questions of philosophy and psychology
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More Speakers
TBA
… more participating artists t.b.a. soon!
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… and many more!
ANIMATION FESTIVAL
The official 2026 animation selection breathes life into the inanimate, presenting 90+ short films in seven programmes that feature the latest and freshest generation of characters in motion, be it narrative shorts, music visuals, experimental animation, and anything in between – with many of the creators present to discuss their work in Q&A sessions.
Deadline for animation submissions to be considered for the 2026 official selection is February 1:
CHARACTER LAB
Workshops, Art-Jams, Round Tables, Parties
Apart from daily changing hands-on workshops, art happenings and after hour jams, Pictoplasma Berlin provides a plethora of possibilities for attendees, speakers and team to mix, mingle and meet – from spontaneous sticker swaps and speed dating sessions to intimate round table talks and all night parties.
INDUSTRY FORUM
Portfolio Reviews, Meet Ups, Panels, Networking Sessions
Makers, meet shakers!
Do you want to get personal feedback on your illustration portfolio or practice your animation’s elevator-pitch? Do you crave to hook up with “the industry” or need advice by someone who might be able to help recalibrate your character project? From rapid-fire industry speed-dating sessions to portfolio reviews, panels and private meet ups — Pictoplasma grants attendees private face-to-face time with today’s most prolific industry leaders, agencies, production companies and talent scouts.
OPEN HOUSE
Character Market, Exhibitions, Animation Screenings, Art Activities
On Sunday May 10, from 1–7pm, Pictoplasma welcomes all to its legendary Open House Sunday & Character Market at silent green. A bustling art market invites you to stock up on rare prints, affordable art, zines and other lovingly produced items from all around the world – and meet their international makers. Also, the complete animation programme is offered in full for a repeat (and final) viewing, featuring 100 short films and extremely experimental psychedelia (viewers discretion advised).
BERLIN VENUE
Pictoplasma Berlin 2026 takes place at the extensive premises of a former crematorium, the silent green, now a vibrant cultural venue that has already hosted several memorable Pictoplasma events. The location houses all activities at one lively venue, with conference talks, panels, animation screenings, workshops and exhibitions happening both inside and open air.
SCHEDULE
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Wednesday
MAY 6
Thursday – Saturday
May 7 – 9
10:30AM – far too late
Animation Screenings
Conference Talks, Symposium & Panels, Attendee Stage
Workshops & Art Jams
Industry Speed Dating, Networking Events, Portfolio Reviews
After Hour Surprises, Psychedelic Midnight Mix, Parties
Sunday
May 10
KUDOS
HOSTED BY
silent green
Gerichtstr. 35
13347 Berlin
FUNDED BY
SUPPORTED BY
Presented By
