FantastikA — Biennale of Fantastic Illustration

The Fantastic Inhabits Dozza's Castle

Every two years, the medieval village of Dozza, a small municipality in the metropolitan city of Bologna in Emilia-Romagna, transforms into the Italian capital of fantastic illustration. FantastikA is the biennial that brings the protagonists of fantasy, science fiction, and the marvelous world of drawing within the walls of the Sforza Castle: an event born in 2014 that has become a reference point over the years for enthusiasts, readers, cosplayers, and collectors from all over Italy.

A Fortress Dedicated to the Marvelous

The choice of venue is no coincidence: the Sforza Castle, a Renaissance jewel set in the painted village of Dozza, offers the perfect setting for an event entirely dedicated to the world of fantasy. The historic halls, the courtyard, and the keep become exhibition spaces where illustrators' works dialogue with the ancient architecture. The symbolic heart of the event is Fyrstan, the enormous dragon installed in the fortress's keep: a creature that rests all year round among the castle stones and is visible during museum opening hours, having become Dozza's beloved mascot.

Exhibitions, Live Drawing, and Meetings

FantastikA is not just a fair: it's a festival where art is created before the public's eyes. Invited illustrators exhibit their works but, above all, draw live, welcome visitors at their tables, sign prints, and talk about their craft. Alongside the exhibitions, the program offers workshops, conferences, and debates with some of the most renowned names in the field, book presentations, workshops for children, and in-depth sessions on fantasy literature and imagery.

The Golden Dragons

Among the most anticipated events is the Golden Dragons ceremony, awards given by the organization to personalities who have contributed significantly to spreading fantastic culture in Italy: writers, translators, illustrators, animators, and disseminators. An award that over the years has linked FantastikA to the national fantasy publishing and culture scene.

An Event for the Whole Family

The artistic direction is entrusted to Ivan Cavini, an illustrator and the "father" of the dragon Fyrstan, with cultural curation by the Italian Association of Tolkien Studies and organization by the Dozza Città d'Arte Foundation. The main exhibitions continue in the weeks following the opening weekend, often until the end of October, allowing visitors to see the exhibitions even after the two main days. With free admission and a welcoming atmosphere, FantastikA is a perfect opportunity to discover Dozza, its painted village, and the magic of an art that continues to inspire dreams.