The Cartoonmuseum Basel, the Lucerne School of Art and Design and the Christoph Merian Foundation invite you to the third National Symposium on the Ninth Art on November 28, 2025.

The symposium is aimed at illustrators, patrons, mediators, collectors and, of course, anyone who is interested in the ninth art and would like to develop it further.

Third edition 2025 'The world on paper - le monde sur papier'
The ninth art has an important socio-critical function in current debates - for example on global political issues, ecological problems, consumer criticism, racism and other topics. Especially in times of crisis, critically reflective drawing and the observation of the world gain particular relevance. But how do illustration and narrative art deal with the current challenges? Do we need new narrative forms to tell and understand the major changes? What contribution can narrative art make to shaping opinion in an open society? What is the effect of criticism when illustrators themselves become the focus of controversy due to exaggerated depictions or deliberately used stereotypes? Illustrative works are often misinterpreted or read as provocation. Where are the limits of visual freedom of expression? And to what extent do illustrators practice self-censorship in order to protect themselves from criticism and personal attacks? In addition to the main topics, the focus will be on exchange - the network of illustrators and their interest groups will introduce themselves. The symposium will be accompanied by a live graphic recording that will document and comment on the contributions to the conference.