Echoes in Ink 2026 – Saxony-wide youth competition for graphic novels, comics and visual storytelling
Retell history. Draw your perspective. Make your voice heard.
How do we remember history? Which stories should be passed on? And what role do democracy, diversity and social responsibility play today?
With the youth competition “Echoes in Ink 2026”, Jugend- & Kulturprojekt e. V. invites school pupils from across Saxony to engage creatively with Jewish history, the culture of remembrance and current social issues.
We are looking for comics, graphic novels, manga and other forms of visual storytelling that creatively combine history, personal reflections and visions of the future.
It’s not about perfect drawing. The focus is on your ideas, your perspectives and your stories.
Who can take part?
The competition is open to pupils in Years 6 to 12 at all types of schools in Saxony.
The following may take part:
- Individuals
- Teams of up to three people
Participation is free of charge.
Whether you have taken part in an Echoes in Ink workshop or not – everyone can join in.
What entries can be submitted?
We welcome, among other things:
- Comics
- Graphic novels
- Manga
- Illustrated short stories
- Digital comics
- Mixed-media works
- Visual essays
- Other forms of visual storytelling
Length
2 to 6 pages
Language
German or English
Possible topics
Your entry could, for example, explore the following topics:
- Jewish history
- Jewish life today
- Culture of remembrance
- Anti-Semitism and exclusion
- Democracy and human rights
- Courage and moral courage
- Responsibility and social cohesion
- The future of remembrance
The topics are intended as a guide. Your own perspectives and creative approaches are expressly encouraged.
Awards
Entries will be judged in three age groups:
Years 6–7
Years 8–9
Years 10–12
The following prizes will also be awarded:
⭐ Audience Award
⭐ Jury Prize
Attractive prizes, including gifts and cultural experiences, await the winners. Selected works will also be presented at the final exhibition at the Full Moon Gallery in Dresden and published in the digital graphic novel collection by Echoes in Ink.
Publication will take place exclusively with the consent of the participants or their legal guardians. Upon request, entries may also be published anonymously or under a pseudonym.
All participants will receive a certificate of participation.
Important dates
30 September 2026
Submission deadline
15 October 2026
Jury meeting
15 November 2026
Announcement of the winners
November 2026
Exhibition and awards ceremony at the Full Moon Gallery Dresden
How to submit your entry
Entries must be submitted via our online form.
Accepted formats:
- JPG / JPEG
Entries must be submitted via a shareable link (e.g. Google Drive, OneDrive or Dropbox).
Exhibition at the Full Moon Gallery Dresden
The best and most exciting entries will be presented at the Full Moon Gallery Dresden in November 2026.
The exhibition highlights the creative perspectives of young people and creates a space for dialogue on memory, responsibility and social cohesion.
Data protection
Personal data collected as part of the submission process will be used exclusively for the purposes of the competition and will not be passed on to third parties.
Names, images or entries will only be published with the express consent of the participants or their legal guardians.
Questions?
Youth & Culture Project e. V.
Echoes in Ink 2026
info@jkpev.de
0351 810 47 66
