Tingfest 2024 Events
Ting Comic and Graphic Arts Festival takes place from Tuesday, April 16th to Saturday, May 11th.
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Tingfest offers of activities dedicated to comic and literary enthusiasts of all ages, from film screenings, artist talks, to workshops, and more. These events and workshops complement the exhibition and pop-up shop in TAP’s gallery, where everyone can attend during operating hours (Tuesdays-Saturdays, 12:00 – 5:00 p.m.). Most events are free but some require registration and a small fee.
This festival is made possible with the generous support of Tourism London, Downtown London and Dundas Place. And individuals from our community: Craig Doroshenko from Chops Framing Supplies, the team at Astley Gilbert Printing, Brahm Wiseman from Heroes Comics and Ting Committee Member Diana Tamblyn.
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Ting Comic and Graphic Art Festival Exhibition
Drop into the gallery to view the work of František Bidlo, Chris Elliott, soft flirt, Dax Gordine, Kevin Hearn, Matt James, Owen MacKinder, Julian Miholics, Lido Pimienta, Merle Tingley, Alyssa Waterbury, and selected pieces from the collection of Ivan Kocmarek including Doris Slater, Win Mortimer, Fred Kelly and Ho Che Anderson.
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April 16 to May 11 (Tuesday to Saturday 12-5pm). Free.
Ting Opening Reception
Mix and mingle with our featured Ting artists and enjoy our signature “Tingley” martini. This is a great opportunity to connect with passionate readers, artists, and culture enthusiasts.
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Saturday April 20, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Free Event REGISTER HERE
Kids Reading & Creation Zone
Our Kid’s Zone features a selection of graphic novels and comics to inspire the next generation of creators, so drop in to read and enjoy the great selection of books provided by the London Public Library. A creation station will also keep the little ones busy with fun, comic-related activities they can create, colour and post on our comic wall.
Families can drop in any time during our operating hours to participate! Free.
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Ting Zine Expo
As part of this year’s festival we are excited to bring back the Ting Zine Expo, a celebration of DIY zine creators and self-publishers. This event will showcase publications and original materials created by Bealart students, Ting alumni and established Forest City zinesters. Purchase artist books, comics, zines and handmade items by the coolest creators right here at TAP.
Friday April 26, 6:00 to 9:00pm. Free Event REGISTER HERE
Intertwining Love and Politics in WWII
Western University Professor Martin Horak reaches into his family archive and shares a love story between his grandmother and political cartoonist František Bidlo in 1942. Bidlo was a veteran cartoonist for Czech left-wing newspapers; Greta was a young anti-fascist activist. They met during the Nazi occupation of Prague, and we are given a brief glimpse into their relationship through the letters and comic pages that Bidlo mailed to Greta expressing his undying love for her before he was arrested by the Gestapo. The dialogue will be led by Josh Lambier, founder and artistic director of Words Festival.
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A selection of Bidlo’s work will be on display in our main gallery as part of Tingfest in addition to a special collection of letters in our LAB 203 gallery.
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Saturday April 27, 2:00 p.m. Free Event REGISTER HERE.
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Want to attend this event virtually. This will be a hybrid event so you can join the conversation online,
The Lucky Poor with Mazie Lovie
Hot off the press! We are thrilled to bring back Ting Alumnus Mazie Lovie for the London launch of her new Book: The Lucky Poor. “Mazie's family has been offered a fantastic gift: their very own, brand-new house, built for them by Habitat for Humanity. But it's a present that comes with a number of strings attached, and soon, they'll learn just how many problems even a new home can't fix.” Mazie will be joined by Kevin Dickins, Deputy City Manager Social and Health Development City of London who will bring a municipal perspective to the social and housing challenges facing our communities. Our conversation will be led by Abe Oudshoorn, Associate Professor and Associate Director (Graduate Programs) at The Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing, Western University and the Arthur Labatt Family Chair in Nursing Leadership in Health Equity.
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Following the conversation Mazie will be available in the gallery to sign copies of her book.
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Wednesday May 1, 7:00 p.m. Free Event REGISTER HERE
Unscripted Film Series with Joe Haidar and Rob McCallum
There may not be a single person on the planet who hasn’t seen at least one feature film on Joe Haidar’s CV: The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Aladdin, Love, Death & Robots, Paula Abdul’s Music Video Opposites Attract to name a few. We will be screening Animated American, the multi-award winning short Joe co-wrote, co-directed, and co-produced. Currently up for five Canadian screen awards and winner for best documentary at TIFF, we are excited to be screening Mr. Dressup: The Magic of Make-Believe directed and co-written by Rob McCallum. Following the screening we will move into conversation with Joe and Rob led by arts journalist Whitney South. The conversation is sure to inspire with insights into artistic collaboration, industry innovation and the pulse of London’s developing film scene.
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Friday May 3 at 7:00 p.m. for in-person screening and conversation. Free Event REGISTER HERE
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Want to attend this event virtually. This will be a hybrid event so you can join the conversation online at 9:30pm
Cosplay Costumed Figure
Drawing Session
This special Ting edition of our instructor-less long pose session with a live model is perfect for any artist who wants to illustrate the figure in full costume.This session will take place in the gallery which is fully accessible. Drawing boards, donkeys and easels are available in the studio for your use. Session coordinators set the pace. All you need to bring is your sketch pad, and favorite drawing materials! The cosplay costumes were designed and created by Erica Batten, a 2023 graduate from the Fanshawe Costume Production Department and owner of Batts n Barnacles, you can follow Erica @battbeans
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Limited spots available for this session so register early.
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Saturday May 4, 11:00am – 2:00 p.m.
Cost $10, REGISTER HERE
Kids Maker Station
To celebrate Free Comic Book Day, join us for a day of creativity, comics and fun with the Tingfest team. From creating cartoons and comic poppers to building a giant fortress on Dundas Street, there is something for both the young ones and the young at heart! This program is supported by Downtown London.
Saturday May 4, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. All ages welcome (that includes moms and dads!). Free creative activities.
Ting Edition Comic Jam
Join us for a special Ting edition of the London Comic Jam hosted by RP Comics and Heroes Comics. This session will throw a challenge on the table asking jammers to visualize the Heart of London and illustrate those ideas panel to panel. An event for all ages, this is a creative event where artists and comic enthusiasts can socialize, have a drink and collaborate on a single comic. You start by drawing the first panel and then slide it across the table and see what the next person adds to the story. The results are always amazing and many times downright hilarious. Bring your favourite pencils and prepare to improvise!
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Monday May 6, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Free Event REGISTER HERE
Small Press Spotlight
We’re excited to put the focus on RAID Press, independent publishing for creators, by creators, for our Small Press Spotlight this year. RAID has several projects in the pipeline focusing on independent creators. Joining us as we sit down in conversation with Ramón Pérez of RAID Press with artists Eric Vedder, Dax Gordon, and Sheldon Carter. Our conversation will be hosted by Brahm Wiseman from Heroes Comics, the biggest comic book store in Southwestern Ontario.
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Wednesday May 8, 7:00 p.m. Free Event REGISTER HERE
Said the Leaf with Matt James
Join us for an uplifting discussion with Canadian children’s book illustrator Matt James as we go into depth about his process as a painter, author, musician. Matt has gained international recognition for his work and is the 2013 recipient of the Governor General’s Literary Award. Matt to talk about his work including his new book I'm Afraid, Said the Leaf to be released on May 7, 2024. Matt will be sitting down in conversation with Linda Ludke, Collections Librarian at London Public Library.
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Saturday May 11, 2:00 p.m. Free Event REGISTER HERE
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Want to attend this event virtually. This will be a hybrid event so you can join the conversation online,
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Canada’s First Superheroes
Yes! In Canada, we had our own comic books during World War II and they were filled with a glorious constellation of our home-grown heroes grappling with the Axis at home and abroad. Learn more about Nelvana, Freelance, Thunderfist, Johnny Canuck, Speed Savage, The Penguin, Brok Windsor, Canada Jack, and Commander Steel from Ivan Kocmarek and Ramón K Pérez as they go into conversation with panel host Josh Lambier, founder and artistic director of Words Festival.
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Thursday May 9, 7:00 p.m. Free Event REGISTER HERE
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Want to attend this event virtually. This will be a hybrid event so you can join the conversation online,
