Shanghai Illustration & Pop Show (SIPS)
The inaugural Shanghai Illustration & Pop Show (SIPS) will run from 29 to 31 May 2026 at the Shanghai Exhibition Centre. Co-organised by BolognaFiere China Ltd. and Shanghai Xinhua Distribution Group Co.,Ltd., the event is supported by the Shanghai International Culture Association and the Cultural Office of the Consulate General of Italy in Shanghai, in academic partnership with the Bologna Illustrators Exhibition and Mimaster Illustrazione (Milan, Italy).
SIPS opens a new chapter in the global legacy of the Bologna Illustrators Exhibition – often called 'the Oscars of the illustration world.' Since its founding in 1967, the Exhibition has championed international exchange and professional growth through juried selections, annual catalogues, and global touring shows. Now tailored for China, SIPS builds on this platform with over 300 exhibitors from 10 countries and regions – including brands, studios, and independent creators – showcasing a vibrant spectrum of illustration and pop culture.
As a professional exhibition centred on illustration, SIPS underscores the medium's diverse commercial reach across pop culture and consumer markets. The show aims to bridge creative content with market demand, integrating industry resources and translating artistic value into sustainable outcomes.
Despite rapid growth, the illustration sector still faces key structural challenges – from scattered communities to limited commercial channels and a shortage of premium exhibition platforms. SIPS addresses these gaps directly by curating global resources and streamlining commercial matchmaking, offering brands and stakeholders fresh collaboration prospects. It also serves as a launchpad for illustrators seeking development and international exposure, driving the industry towards greater maturity and resilience.
