Starting a movement: queer comics, community, and activism + meetup

The Northern School of Art is collaborating with Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration, Curious Arts and the AOI (The Association of Illustrators), to collective watch a live stream of: ‘Starting a movement: queer comics, community, and activism’ - followed by an illustrator meet-up at Blue Valentines with guest speaker Mama Mollon of Best Small Press.

LGBTQIA+ comics have long been tied to social activism, with a history of navigating censorship, times of polarisation and social and political challenge. At this time when the hard-won rights of marginalised communities are at risk around the world, how can creators look to the past for their own creative work and advocacy today? What role do queer comics play in 2026, both for individuals and communities?

Reflecting on the work of queer comic creators from the past, the online panel discussion will explore queer comics and their inherent tie to social and political activism. They will discuss why it is so important to remember the work of queer creators from the past, how we do this and what we can learn for creating purpose-led work today. The panel will focus on DIY and low-tech ways of working, and how this can be instrumental in creating change, in small and big ways.

Bringing together speakers Rachael House, Holly Casio and Seena Shamsavari, in dialogue with Dr Margaret Galvan, this conversation invites you to remember the power that lies in the act of creating, coming together and supporting representation and visibility in sequential storytelling.

Part 1: Live stream details: Doors open at our Church Square campus at 6:00pm, with the talks starting at 6:30pm and ending at 7:45pm. Address of the screening: The Northern School of Art, Church Square Campus, Hartlepool TS24 7EX

Part 2: Meet-up details: Following the live streamed panel, we will head over the road to Blue Valentines for an AOI meet-up - hosted by Mischief - where will be joined by Mama Mollon of Best Small Press who will discuss their experience within indie and alternative comic book publication and distribution. Catering and refreshments will be available here.

Address of AOI meet-up: Blue Valentines, 48 Church St, Hartlepool TS24 7EB

Free carparking is available at TS24 7EX.

All venues are located a 5 minutes walk from Hartlepool Train station.

For any questions please contact: Jessica.Tones@northernart.ac.uk

About Mischief

Mischief is Newcastle’s illustrators community, proudly supported by the AOI. We’re building a welcoming space for artists and illustrators to connect, collaborate and inspire one another. The meet ups are organised and hosted by Carl Wilson and Jim Spendlove but our long-term vision is to grow a passionate team to help run future events together!