SI MoCCA Arts Festival – NYC’s Premier Independent Comics & Cartoon Festival

The SI MoCCA Arts Festival is a two-day multimedia event celebrating independent comics, illustration, and cartoon art. Held at the Metropolitan Pavilion in the heart of Chelsea, New York City, it is the largest independent comics and cartoon festival in NYC, attracting over 9,000 attendees annually.

A Legacy of Comics & Cartoon Art

Founded in 2001, the Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art (MoCCA) originally operated as a dedicated space for comic and cartoon art exhibitions, educational programs, and small-press comic conventions. In 2002, MoCCA launched its now-iconic MoCCA Fest, a gathering of independent artists and publishers celebrating the art of storytelling through comics.

In 2012, MoCCA transitioned its collection to the Society of Illustrators (SI) under the agreement that a permanent gallery would be established within SI to showcase comic and cartoon art, and that MoCCA Fest would continue as an annual event.

A Hub for Creativity & Independent Art

Since joining forces with SI, the MoCCA Arts Festival has grown into one of the largest independent comic and cartoon festivals in the U.S., featuring:

• 500+ exhibiting artists showcasing their work

• Award-winning honorees sharing insights into their careers and creative processes

• Live demonstrations, lectures, and panel discussions with leading illustrators, cartoonists, and industry professionals

Whether you're an artist, collector, or passionate fan, the SI MoCCA Arts Festival offers an unparalleled opportunity to engage with the world of independent comics and illustration in an inspiring and creative atmosphere.