Graphic-Con returns to the Sudbury Community Arena on June 8.
The event has grown in leaps and bounds since its inception in 2013, when it started out as a humble little gathering at the South End library.
The Greater Sudbury Public Library is stepping back as the facilitator and a new, not-for-profit organization made up of previous staff and contributors will oversee the event into the future.
"While we believe this transition will result in our ability to deliver an even greater experience moving forward, it does not come without its challenges. As a not-for-profit, we will no longer benefit from the financial security net of a city-run event and as such, 2019 could potentially seem a bit smaller than in previous years," said the Graphic-Con website.
"That being said, with your continued support and participation in fundraising opportunities throughout the year, we are confident that we will be able to deliver a fantastic event this year and for years to come."
The event may be nearly four months away, but prep work has already begun and the call has been put out for applications for anyone looking to be part of this year's convention.
Organizers are seeking artists, vendors, clubs/community organizations, volunteers and sponsors. If you'd like to apply to be part of Graphic-Con 2019 you can do so here.
Graphic-Con has continued to grow with each passing year, attracting increasingly greater numbers of visitors, vendors, artists and special guests.
In 2016 the event moved to the Sudbury Community Arena, a venue that allowed for a significant expansion in programming and a corresponding increase in participation. That year also saw the establishment of key partnerships, including marketing and promotional support from Launchpad Creative, and a financial partnership with Downtown Sudbury.
The success in 2016 led to the creation of a Community Advisory Group to assist with planning and delivery for 2017 and 2018. Community group members representing a diverse range of interests, backgrounds, and skills helped Graphic-Con's continued evolution.
"The overwhelming success of Graphic-Con inadvertently put a strain on the capacity of the Greater Sudbury Public Library which wanted to devote resources to other programs and events in service of the community," said the Graphic-Con website.
"This led to the establishment in early 2019 of a not-for-profit organization and Board of Directors comprised of GSPL staff and Community Advisory Group members which would oversee and run the event into the future."
You can find all your Graphic-Con information at the event's brand new websit graphiccon.ca.
