New exhibitions open at Maison de la BD

The Maison de la BD in Québec opened two new exhibitions on October 9. One retraces the history of manga, while the other revisits Quebec municipal politics through the work of cartoonists.

Exhibitions mark a first for the institution

For the Maison de la BD, which opened in May 2025, these exhibitions represent its first international collaboration. The manga-focused exhibition adapts a tour originally designed in the United Kingdom.

Origins of the manga exhibition

The exhibition, titled Perspective MANGA, is an adaptation of Make Mine Manga, an itinerant exhibition launched in 2023 in the United Kingdom. It was initially promoted by libraries in Bolton and supported by the Lakes International Comic Art Festival.

British project highlights manga's global influence

The British project was developed by Paul Gravett, a comics specialist and author of several books on manga. Funded by Arts Council England, it aimed to explore the origins of Japanese comics and their influence beyond Japan.

Quebec adaptation adds local flavor

In Québec, the exhibition includes panels and visual documents from the original tour, while also incorporating works by French-language creators who use manga techniques. Artists like Tony Valente and Nunumi are featured, showing how Japanese influences appear in local graphic art.

Exhibition includes interactive activities

The Maison de la BD will host a series of free activities alongside the exhibitions. These include workshops on creating manga characters and sessions on drawing techniques and Japanese folklore.

Cartooning local politics

The second exhibition, Drôles d’affaires… municipales!, shifts focus to Quebec municipal politics. It features cartoons of local political figures drawn for regional newspapers, offering a satirical look at local governance and public issues.

Exhibition highlights key political figures

The exhibition includes drawings of notable figures such as Jean-Georges Garneau and Bruno Marchand. Cartoonists like Raoul Hunter and André-Philippe Côté depict the controversies and events that shaped regional news.

Exhibition team and schedule

The curation of Drôles d’affaires… municipales! is handled by Pierre Skilling and Thomas-Louis Côté. Both exhibitions will run until June 27, 2027, with some sources mentioning a possible closure in September 2027.

Maison de la BD as a cultural hub

The Maison de la BD is a new cultural facility located in the Historical Interpretation Center of Sainte-Foy. It hosts exhibitions, workshops, and other activities focused on graphic creation, supported by Québec BD and the City of Québec.

Future plans for the institution

The Maison de la BD also announced plans for an international event in June 2026 at the Museum of Comics in Brussels. This event will feature the works of nearly a hundred Quebec graphic artists, showcasing the local scene to a wider audience.