Tickets go online on November 13,
with a special early bird offer, limited to the first 100 attendees …
Jun Ioneda
●●International Conference on
Character Creativity
Berlin
7–10 May 2●26
In its 22nd edition, the world’s leading conference on contemporary character-driven creativity sets its focus on story: How can characters act as narrative devices that shape emotion, identity, and meaning – beyond affect, empathy, or cuteness?
● In and Out of Character ●
Over four bustling days, Pictoplasma investigates the art and impact of adventurous figurative representation across creative genres and cultures. The conference welcomes artists and producers to a transdisciplinary exchange of strategies and ideas, bridging illustration, animation, art, games, story-telling, branded worlds and social media personas – opening its stage to every practice that gives characters agency.
20+ featured lectures and artist talks explore the edges of contemporary creative practice
Vibrant discussion and networking spaces connect creative and commercial contributors
Daily workshops, jam sessions and demos await all to get hands-on with new mediums
Cutting-edge animation screenings dive deep into next-level world building
CONFERENCE
Artist Talks, Panels & Professional Exchange
The central Conference presents lectures, panels and talks by a hand-picked line-up of the world’s most adventurous artists, avant-garde filmmakers, upcoming talents, cutting-edge illustrators, innovative designers, and creative thinkers.
An accompanying Symposium track dives deep into the genealogies of characterism, peeling back multiple layers of influences, trends and contexts, to unravel underlying 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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Form Play
UK
Duo known for their hand-drawn character animation and playful storytelling, that have collaborated with brands such as Google, Sephora and IKEA to find humour in the everyday
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Gemma Correll
UK/US
British illustrator and cartoonist imbuing her simple line drawings with narrative and humour, creating illustrations that catch the eye and tell a story
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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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Ilse Valfré
MX
Mexican-born visual artist whose surreal, narrative worlds reflect on identity, femininity, and the emotional complexity of modern 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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and many more …
… to be announced soon!
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ANIMATION FEST
1●●+ Fresh Short Films Debuted in 7 Curated Screenings – Submit Now!
The official 2026 animation selection breathes life into the inanimate, presenting 100+ 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:
INDUSTRY FORUM
Portfolio Reviews, Meet Ups, Panels, Networking Sessions
Makers, meet shakers!
Do you want to get personal feedback on your 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 face-to-face time with some of today’s most prolific industry leaders, agencies, production companies and talent scouts.
CHARACTER LAB
Workshops, Art-Jams, Round Tables, Parties
In addition to hands-on workshops, art happenings and after hour jams, Pictoplasma provides a plethora of possibilities for attendees and featured artists to mix, mingle and meet – from spontaneous sticker swaps and speed dating sessions to intimate round table talks and all night parties.
OPEN HOUSE
Character Market, Exhibitions, Animation Screenings, Art Activities
On Sunday May 10, Pictoplasma welcomes all attendees (plus the Berlin public) to its legendary Sunday Open House & Character Market at silent green:
Attend (or sell*) at the bustling art market, packed with original works, quality prints, toys, zines, clothing and more – and meet their international makers; revisit the complete animation programme, offered in full for one last viewing: 100+ short films across 7 diverse programmes (parent discretion advised); admire gallery showcases of the event’s featured speakers and the global creative community, and get hands on with playful art-making spaces and workshops.
*Applications to sell at the Character Market will open in March 2026.
BERLIN VENUE
silent green
Gerichtstr. 35
13347 Berlin
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. Further satellite events await attendees at partnering galleries, clubs and cinemas throughout Berlin.
SCHEDULE*
MAY 6
—
18:00 – 23:00
May 7–9
—
10:30 – far too late
Animation Screenings
Conference Talks, Symposium & Panels, Attendee Stage
Industry Speed Dating, Workshops & Art Jams
Networking Events, Portfolio Reviews
After Hour Surprises, Psychedelic Midnight Mix, Parties
May 10
13:00 – 19:00
* subject to change
KUDOS
HOSTED BY
silent green
Gerichtstr. 35
13347 Berlin
FUNDED BY
SUPPORTED BY
