Picturale 2026

The Biennale for illustration ‘Picturale’ (11th edition already) is an internationally known cultural organization (non-profit) supported by Literatuur Vlaanderen, the City of Ronse, the Cultural Centre ‘de Ververij’ and the Library of Ronse. Its goals are:

providing a link between the art of storytelling and illustration and the love for books and reading
providing a solid and encouraging artistic platform for emerging illustrators, the ‘young wolves’
giving established illustrators the opportunity to express themselves professionally through a ‘grand exhibition’ in the inspiring environment of the beautiful ‘Ververij’
bringing together artists/illustrators and the audience in an interactive six-week happening to explore, dialogue and especially saviour this ‘magic’ of illustration which never leaves people unmoved.

Ever since 2003, this is the place to be for a growing number of professional illustrators, passionate participants and an ever-appreciative and curious public.

The 11th edition runs from 21 February 2026 until 11 April 2026. See you then!

Price exposition: € 4 (adult) / € 1 (6 to 18) / free for younger children - The opening and the closure events are free for all.
Addresse: CC De Ververij - Wolvestraat 37 - Ronse
Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday from 1 pm to 4 pm
Saturday, Sunday from 1 pm to 5 pm
Tickets: Ticketshop CC De Ververij or at the register

VERNISSAGE

21 February 2026 opening: our new flyer is available here.

from 11:00 to 16:30: ‘Tales in the City’ is the greatest storytelling festival in the Flemish Ardennes. Tales in the City launches the 11th edition of Picturale illustration festival. Many free activities for all ages are organised in the neighbourhood of CC De Ververij. Tales in the City is a splendid collaboration between Picturale and the City of Ronse. Appointment as of 10:30 at CC De Ververij, Wolvestraat 27, 9600 Ronse.
17:00 unveiling of the new mural with work of Lisa Ottenburgh, winner of 2024.
17:30 vernissage with wonderful solo exhibition by Lisa Ottenburgh and a great exhibition of selected works by professional illustrators and young talent, followed by the award ceremony at CC 'De Ververij', Wolvestraat 37, 9600 Ronse.

FINISSAGE

11/04/2026: Festive closing of the 11th Picturale edition at CC De Ververij

free entry as of 13:00
bar open with coffee and cake as of 14:00
Drink & draw from 14:00 to 16:00 in collaboration with Kayo Quintens
annoucement of the audience awards at 16:00
family performance at 17:00

WHAT CAN YOU IN BETWEEN EXPEXT AS INDIVIDUAL OR AS GROUP?

The Nostalgic 'Grand Tour', solo exhibition by the ‘Picturale 2024’ laureate Lisa Ottenburgh
A grand exhibition of ‘established professionals’
An encouraging exhibition by a select group of ‘young’ talents
A grand exhibition of ‘established professionals’
The Picturale promonade, a fascination tour along all Picturale murals.
Space available for book presentations.

INTERACTIVE VISITS FOR SCHOOLS

Starting on Monday 23 February 2026 your school can visit the Picturale exhibition. Take your children on an interactive tour of the expo, which comprises two parts. On the one hand the expo with selected works submitted by established illustrators and young talents and on the other the solo exhibition by Lisa Ottenburgh, the winner of the 2024 edition. All information about your participation, the performances, the teaching packages and tasks you find here. (still to renew for the 2026 edition)

Already registered?

Book your participation though cultuur@ronse.be Please note that we will only allow two groups per hour in order to ensure that your students will have plenty of time to explore the expo. The opening hours for schools are: 9:00 - 10:30

10:00 - 12:00

13:30 - 15:00

HOW TO PARTICPATE AS ILLUSTRATOR?

See ‘How to participate?'