Shanghai, March 2026 — The inaugural Shanghai International Illustration & Pop Show (SIPS) will run from 29 to 31 May 2026 at the Shanghai Exhibition Centre.
Nowadays, illustration has transcended the boundaries of traditional publishing. As the core visual language of the younger generation, it thrives in brand marketing and digital content, serving as one of the most influential mediums of communication between brands and consumers. Embracing this trend, SIPS is structured around three core sections: Illustration as Art showcases original works, prints, and collaborative editions to reflect illustration's unique role within the discourse of modern and contemporary art; Pop & Brand demonstrates cross-industry applications across pop toys, licensing, fashion, beauty & fragrance , pet & home living and trend-driven consumer products; and Illustrators Avenue gathers young global creators, facilitating commercial partnerships and driving the realisation of licensing opportunities.
SIPS will bring together a diverse line-up of influential illustrators, trend artists, and emerging young creators from China and around the world. The show will feature curated illustration exhibitions exploring the medium’s expression across different fields, alongside trend-setting brands and world-renowned IPs, showcasing the creativity and collectible value of illustration and pop culture. Furthermore, a curated selection of brands—spanning streetwear, coffee brands, lifestyle products, art tool brands and creative merchandise—will come together to present a vibrant lifestyle experience where illustration and contemporary pop culture seamlessly intersect.
Whether you are a lover of illustration and pop culture, a brand owner seeking original IPs and content creators, or an industry professional looking for cross-sector collaborations, SIPS offers the ideal platform to connect inspiration with resources. You can capture emerging commercial opportunities and anticipate the next wave of trends through a diverse spectrum of artistic expression.
Visitor registration for SIPS 2026 is now open. Register now to get a free ticket worth 80 RMB. We warmly invite you to join us and discover the infinite possibilities of illustration and pop culture!
SIPS originates from the Bologna Illustrators Exhibition, an event with nearly 60 years of history often hailed as the "Oscars of Illustration." SIPS is an innovative programme tailor-made for the Chinese market.
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.
Organised under the joint guidance of the Jing'an District People's Government of Shanghai and Shanghai United Media Group, SIPS is co-hosted by BolognaFiere China Ltd. and Shanghai Xinhua Distribution Group Co., Ltd. It 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 also enjoys support from industry organisations such as the Hong Kong Society of Illustrators, the Macau Illustrators Association, and the Bangkok Illustration Fair. Additionally, it is supported by the renowned international publication Licensing Magazine, the specialised illustration content platform Illustrator Lab, the School of Design at East China Normal University, the School of Fine Arts and Calligraphy at Nanjing University of the Arts, the world-renowned fashion landmark Istituto Marangoni Shanghai, and ZCOOL, a leading creative community. This convergence of professional expertise collectively expands the cross-regional boundaries and commercial horizons of illustration art.
