From Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok and beyond,
a new illustration alliance is reshaping
how Southeast Asian creators connect, travel, and grow together.
POPUPASIA®
and the Rise of a Connected Southeast Asian Illustration Ecosystem
POPUPASIA® is a cross-city creative platform dedicated to connecting Asian creators, cultural communities, and creative markets through real-world experiences. Beyond exhibitions and markets, POPUPASIA® focuses on long-term industry observation—documenting how creative ecosystems evolve, how creators move across borders, and how Asia builds its own cultural networks through collaboration rather than competition.
In 2026, one such movement deserves close attention.
What Is the Southeast Asia Illustration Council?
The Southeast Asia Illustration Council (SEA Illustration Council) is a newly formed regional alliance initiated by leading illustration fair organizers across Southeast Asia. Established with a shared commitment to continuous dialogue, resource exchange, and collective growth, the council represents a collaborative effort among fair owners rather than a single centralized organization.
Its core mission is clear:
to empower Southeast Asian artists by connecting regional illustration communities, aligning annual fair schedules, and helping local creative talent reach broader international audiences—together.
By bridging illustration fairs across countries, the SEA Illustration Council signals a shift away from isolated, city-specific events toward a coordinated regional creative framework.
Image source: Kuala Lumpur Illustration Fair
From Individual Fairs to a Regional Illustration Network
Illustration fairs have grown rapidly across Southeast Asia over the past decade. What once existed as independent local platforms is now beginning to form a shared annual rhythm—one that allows illustrators, publishers, brands, and collectors to envision participation across multiple cities within a single year.
The SEA Illustration Council formalizes this momentum through a connected 2026 calendar that spans six cities in six countries, with an expansion to Manila scheduled for 2027.
This development reflects a broader industry shift:
Southeast Asian illustration is no longer emerging—it is organizing.
Southeast Asia Illustration Council: Fair Schedule 2026
According to the official announcements shared by regional partners,
the 2026 Southeast Asia Illustration Fair Circuit is scheduled as follows:
| Date | International Fairs | City | Country | Dates | Official Channels |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 2026 | Kuala Lumpur Illustration Fair (KLIF 2026) | Kuala Lumpur | Malaysia | May 1–3, 2026 | Website: klillustrationfair.myInstagram: @klillustrationfair |
| July 2026 | Illustration Arts Fest (IAF 2026) | Singapore | Singapore | July 3–5, 2026 | Instagram: @illustrationartsfest@oicsingapore |
| Sep–Oct 2026 | Jakarta Illustration Creative Arts Fair (JICAF 2026) | Jakarta | Indonesia | Sep 17 – Oct 3, 2026 | Website: jakartaillustrationfair.comInstagram: @j.icaf |
| Oct 2026 | Bangkok Illustration Fair (BKKIF 2026) | Bangkok | Thailand | Oct 22–25, 2026 | Website: bangkokillustrationfair.comInstagram: @bkkif_officialFacebook: BKKIF |
| Nov 2026 | Phsar Art 2026 | Phnom Penh | Cambodia | November 2026 (TBA) | Instagram: @phsar.art |
| 2027 | Manila Illustration Fair (MIF 2027) | Manila | Philippines | Coming 2027 | Instagram: @manilaillustrationfair |
Image source: Thailand BKKIF
Why This Matters: POPUPASIA®’s Perspective
From POPUPASIA®’s editorial and strategic viewpoint, the Southeast Asia Illustration Council represents more than a calendar announcement.
It demonstrates that:
- Illustration is becoming one of Southeast Asia’s most mobile creative industries
- Regional collaboration can create sustainable touring opportunities for artists
- Southeast Asia is building its own creative narrative, independent of Western-centric models
Illustration—by nature—travels easily across language, culture, and market boundaries. Its strong potential for IP development, licensing, publishing, brand collaboration, and merchandise makes it a natural starting point for regional creative integration.
The SEA Illustration Council is not simply coordinating fairs—it is testing a model for how Southeast Asian creative industries can grow together.
A Regional Effort Built on Collaboration
As shared by the council’s founding partners, the SEA Illustration Council is grounded in openness and mutual support:
This council is a commitment between regional fair owners to maintain constant conversation and resource exchange. By bridging our communities, we aim to empower Southeast Asian artists and help our collective talent reach the global stage.
The initiative reflects a shared belief that regional success is stronger when knowledge, experience, and opportunities are shared—a mindset echoed by the participating organizers themselves, often referring to their collaboration as working together as one “SEAblings” team.
POPUPASIA® Will Continue to Observe, Connect, and Share
For POPUPASIA®, documenting the Southeast Asia Illustration Council is part of a broader role:
to observe emerging creative structures, translate them into accessible insights, and connect creators, organizers, and audiences across Asia.
As Southeast Asia’s illustration ecosystem continues to evolve, POPUPASIA® will remain attentive to how these regional movements shape future opportunities for creators, collaborations, and cross-border creative exchange.
Credits & Sources
Primary source content and fair information adapted from Happening Magazine (Thailand)
Council statement and visuals from participating organizers within the Southeast Asia Illustration Council
All logos, pictures, and event names remain the property of their respective organizations
Schedule visuals courtesy of SEA Illustration Council partner releases
