About this Event
Political cartoonists poke fun at the powerful and remind us that the proverbial emperor has no clothes. But does satire still work? How do you satirize a world that already feels absurd enough on its own? Let’s explore this question together with our fantastic guests.
Among the guests of this year’s edition are comedian Vera van Zelm, Volkskrant cartoonist Jip van den Toorn, Trouw cartoonist Tjeerd Royaards and two-time Pulitzer winner Ann Telnaes.
The program of the Cartoons Day
15:00: THE CARTOONS DAY 2026
Welcome words by the head of the European Cartoon Award, Emanuele Del Rosso.
15:00 – 15:45 GOOD HUMOR, BAD HUMOR
Do we agree on what makes humor “good” or “bad”. In this interactive session, we will test the limits of satire with cartoonist Tjeerd Royaards and professor Alberto Godioli.
16:00 – 16:45 WILL A LAUGHTER BURY THEM?
A journalist, a cartoonist, and a comedian come together to discuss whether satire can still keep the powerful in check. How do we poke fun at clowns? With Emmy-nominated journalist Melissa Chan, cartoonist Jip van den Toorn and comedian Vera van Zelm.
17:00 – 18:30 DOCUMENTARY SCREENING “DEMOCRACY UNDER SIEGE” (English, with Dutch subtitles) + TALK WITH THE PROTAGONISTS
This documentary reflects on what threatens our democracies and how to speak truth to power in daring times. Let’s watch it, and then reflect on what we saw with the director Laura Nix and with two-time Pulitzer Prize winner political cartoonist Ann Telnaes. Moderated by journalist Janet Anderson.
19:00 – 19:45 STANDING DINNER
For those who stay for the evening, a light meal, in preparation for the Award Ceremony.
20:00 – 21:30 ECA 2026 AWARD CEREMONY!
Tickets
There are two types of tickets: for the afternoon program and for the evening program. Dinner will be offered to those who stay for the full day.
More information at: www.europeancartoonaward.com
Event venue & nearby stays
Centrale Bibliotheek, Spui 68, Den Haag, Netherlands
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.