2026 Shanghai International Illustration Trend Expo

Focusing on the Creative Ecosystem, SIPS International Illustration and Pop Art Fair Establishes a New Cross-Industry Platform

Recently, the highly anticipated SIPS International Illustration and Pop Art Fair unveiled its core structure and event plan. Organized by BolognaFiere (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., the wholly-owned subsidiary in China of the BolognaFiere Group, SIPS aims to deeply connect illustration art, the pop culture industry, and the consumer market, seeking to inject new momentum into the creative sector in China and across Asia.

The fair’s content is systematically built around three core sections, showcasing the diverse value and development potential of illustration art from all angles:

Illustration as Art: This section focuses on the independence and collectible value of illustration within the context of contemporary art. It presents works including original pieces, limited-edition reproductions, and high-end art collaborations, exploring their unique appeal as a category for art collection.

Pop and Brand: This section highlights the cross-industry application and innovative expression of illustration in areas such as trendy toys, fashion design, and lifestyle. It reveals how brands utilize the language of illustration to convey unique style and cultural concepts.

Illustrators Avenue: This section brings together original works and creative derivatives from independent illustrators worldwide, dedicated to building direct dialogue and commercial connection channels between creators, audiences, and the market.

These three sections complement each other, collectively outlining a complete illustration ecosystem map spanning artistic creation, industrial application, and market consumption.

To facilitate in-depth industry exchange and collaboration, SIPS precisely targets three core audience groups: industry professionals (brands, creative agencies, retail channels) seeking high-quality illustration resources and partnership opportunities; collectors (art institutions, collectors, and enthusiasts) focused on discovering and acquiring unique works; and content creators (illustrators, designers) looking to expand their professional network and explore career development.

Coinciding with the fair, a series of high-level professional events will be held to empower industry growth:

The Illustrators Survival Corner: Organized by the BolognaFiere Group and curated by the Milan Illustration Institute, this program offers practical career development support for creators through master forums, one-on-one portfolio reviews, and workshops.

Master Illustrator Showcase: Presented in the form of thematic solo or group exhibitions, this showcase systematically presents representative works by internationally renowned illustrators, demonstrating the industry’s highest standards.

Illustrators Pitch: This event provides an open selection and matching platform, directly facilitating efficient communication and collaboration talks between illustrators and industry partners such as brands and licensing agents.

As a globally leading professional exhibition organizer, the BolognaFiere Group possesses profound industry resources and operational experience. Its world-renowned Bologna Children’s Book Fair – Illustrators Exhibition is a benchmark in the field. The inaugural SIPS will fully leverage the group’s international resource network and academic heritage, aiming to establish a new generation professional platform that promotes the deep integration of illustration art and the pop culture industry, connecting content value, market potential, and collection systems.

The fair is expected to attract illustrators, brand representatives, collectors, and creative industry professionals from around the globe, gathering to witness and participate in a new chapter in the development of China’s creative industry.

About BolognaFiere:
BolognaFiere (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. is the wholly-owned subsidiary in China of the Italian BolognaFiere Group. Headquartered in Italy, the BolognaFiere Group is one of the world’s leading exhibition organizers, hosting over 100 international fairs annually worldwide, covering sectors including art, publishing, fashion, beauty, health, food, pet supplies, and industrial machinery. The Bologna Children’s Book Fair – Illustrators Exhibition, which the group has long organized and operated, has become one of the most influential professional platforms in the international illustration community.