A Note to Our Community:
The Society of Illustrators/Museum of Illustration is based in New York but serves as an international organization, with artists and members from continents across the Earth. In our work, we honor the beliefs that art and culture crosses borders and that curiosity and perspective, rather than fear and divisiveness, are the key to meaningful and successful cross-cultural dialogue and greater understanding between people. We stand with all those in our family who have been affected by events on the world stage, and look toward the day when all artists are free to live and work wherever they feel at home in our global village.
Harassment Policy:
The SI MoCCA Arts Fest is dedicated to providing a harassment-free conference experience for everyone, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, fandom, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, political/religious background, body size, race, religion, etc.
Code of Conduct
Attendees must respect common sense rules for public behavior, personal interaction, common courtesy, and respect for private property. Harassing or offensive behavior will not be tolerated. The subletting of exhibit space without prior written permission of the SI MoCCA Arts Fest is prohibited. No item of any type, or exhibitor, may occupy the aisles. All display material and personnel must conform to local fire regulations. The SI MoCCA Arts Fest reserves the right to revoke, without refund, the badge of any attendee not in compliance with this policy. Persons finding themselves in a situation where they feel their safety is at risk or who become aware of an attendee not in compliance with this policy should immediately locate the nearest member of security, or staff member, so that the matter can be handled in an expeditious manner. Venue security is not affiliated with the Society of Illustrators.
Exhibitors may not use or display any fixture, device, merchandise, or activity that is unlawful, inappropriate, or reasonably determined by the Society of Illustrators to be detrimental to MoCCA Arts Fest or the comics and illustration community. The Society of Illustrators respects exhibitors’ rights to freedom of expression and seeks to maintain a welcoming, family-friendly environment for attendees of all ages. Accordingly, exhibitors are asked not to openly display material depicting explicit violence, nudity, or sexual conduct. Adult-oriented material may not be sold, distributed, displayed, or otherwise made accessible to minors. The Society of Illustrators reserves the right to determine whether displayed or offered material complies with these guidelines and to take appropriate action when necessary to maintain a safe and welcoming festival environment.
Pet Policy
Animals are not allowed into the Festival with the exception of service animals. If your service animal is not wearing any kind of ID identifying them as a service animal, you may be stopped by venue security.
Visitor Q&A
How can I purchase tickets for SI MoCCA Arts Fest 2027?
General Tickets and Early Bird Tickets can be purchased online through Eventbrite starting spring 2027 or on-site on the days of the festival. Student tickets, including High School and Undergraduate levels, are only available for purchase in person as they require ID verification.
How can I stay updated on the SI MoCCA Arts Fest 2027 news and announcements?
For the latest news, schedule updates, and announcements, follow our social media accounts including our Instagram @SOI128. Sign up here for our newsletter.
Are there any special guests or featured artists at the SI MoCCA Arts Fest 2027?
Yes, the SI MoCCA Arts Fest features special guests and renowned artists from the world of comics and cartoon art. Check back here closer to the date for the full lineup and schedule of appearances.
Can I purchase merchandise of the artwork created for the SI MoCCA Arts Fest?
Absolutely! Each year, we ask three artists to create artwork for the badges, main poster visual, and spot illustrations featured throughout the venue. These designs are usually available for purchase at the SI Booth as posters, tote bags, stickers, and sometimes mugs. Artists who create SI MoCCA Fest memorabilia often table at the Festival as well and offer exclusive signings.
Are there food and refreshments available at the venue?
Water is available for purchase at the SI Booth. There are various dining options around Met Pavilion.
Is the SI MoCCA Arts Fest accessible?
The Exhibitor Hall at Metropolitan Pavilion can be accessed by wheelchair users and others who need step-free access. A ramp is located at the main entrance and the entire Fest is located on one floor. Bathrooms are also accessible.
Is an ATM available on the premises?
No, there are no ATMs located at Metropolitan Pavilion, but many are located within walking distance. Check here >
Is there on-site parking?
No, Metropolitan Pavilion does not have a garage on site. Please visit their website to view a list of nearby garages.
Can I reserve a seat for the programming sessions at the SVA Flatiron Gallery?
Seating for panels is available on a first-come, first-served basis. We recommend arriving early to ensure you get a spot for the panels you're interested in. Check the schedule in advance, plan accordingly, and enjoy the diverse discussions and insights from industry professionals during the 2027 SI MoCCA Arts Fest!
Exhibitor Q&A
What is the criteria for becoming an exhibitor at the Fest?
The SI MoCCA Arts Festival aims to amplify the voices of independent comic creators. We encourage cartoonists, illustrators, publishers, animators, and their representatives to apply. We are looking specifically for comics, zines, sequential work, and bound publications such as graphic novels. Exhibitors must display at least some published/bound material to be eligible; self-published work is accepted. Objects created with or featuring AI-generated art are not eligible for sale or distribution at this Festival. Our Festival prioritizes original content and seeks to limit the sale of fan art and works based on pre-existing intellectual property in order to reduce the risk of copyright violations and protect sellers, artists, and the venue.
*Additionally, our Illustrators 69th Annual Competition is also open for submissions! The Product Design & Uncommissioned categories may be of interest to creators who create self-published comics, prints, or sticker designs. There is also an Animation category. Selected winners of this competition will have their work displayed in our NYC museum gallery, along with a chance to win a Gold or Silver Medal!
How do I become a vendor?
Online applications for the 2027 SI MoCCA Arts Festival will be available Monday, September 28th. The deadline for applications is midnight November 2nd, 2026. Acceptance or rejection notifications will be sent in early December. For questions about tabling, please reach out to Jordan@societyillustrators.org. Accepted applications have until December 21st, to submit payment for their tables or cancel.
Is there a waitlist?
Yes! Please submit an application, then early December if you are not accepted during the initial round of acceptances, you will be notified by email that your application has either been rejected or placed on the waitlist. This email will include additional information regarding next steps.
Why was my application rejected?
Unfortunately, we are only able to offer a limited number of exhibitor tables due to space constraints. Applications are carefully considered and reviewed by a committee. The Society of Illustrators does its best to select a balance of returning talent and new exhibitors while making decisions informed by current industry trends, programming, and a lottery system. If your application is not accepted this year, please know that this is not a personal reflection on you or your work. We strongly encourage you to apply again the following year! Please note that exhibiting at a previous SI MoCCA Arts Fest does not automatically guarantee acceptance in subsequent years.
Are there any regulations for the space at Metropolitan Pavilion?
Each table is 6ft. x 30in. or 4ft. x 30in with two chairs provided. To accommodate more artists and exhibitors, each non-sponsor Exhibitor/Applicant is limited to a maximum of 1 table. If you're interested in reserving a larger pod, please visit our sponsorship page for additional options. Wi-Fi is included with the purchase of tables. Exhibitors shall keep all designated areas clean and will not nail, screw or attach anything to the Metropolitan Pavilion facilities. Outside alcoholic beverages and the use of any illegal substances in the Metropolitan Pavilion during festival hours are prohibited. The subletting of exhibits pace without prior written permission of the SI MoCCA Arts Fest is prohibited. No item of any type, or exhibitor, may occupy or block the aisles. All display material and personnel must conform to local fire regulations.
Disclaimer: The SI MoCCA Arts Fest is held at Metropolitan Pavilion and representatives are not responsible for any loss, damages, claims, or injury. In the event that an exhibitor is removed from the SI MoCCA Arts Fest for failure to abide to any of these rules, all monies paid shall be forfeited to the Society of Illustrators and no refund shall be made.
Is there anything exhibitors should know regarding taxes?
All exhibitors are expected to adhere to all New York City, New York State, and Metropolitan Pavilion rules and laws. Exhibitors are solely responsible for all taxes. If you are selling taxable items, you are required by New York State law to file the “Application for Registration as a Sales Tax Vendor (DTF-17)” form. This form and more information can be found here. Please note, if you expect to make taxable sales in New York State, you must register with the Tax Department at least 20 days before you begin business. New York State will then send you a Certificate of Authority which must be displayed at your place of business at all times. If you need help filling out the form or need information about what items are taxable, go to this webpage or call (800)-225-5829 for assistance. If you already have a resale number for New York State, remember to bring a copy of your Certificate or Authority to the Festival for presentation if requested.
Is the SI MoCCA Fest accepting volunteers?
Thank you for your interest in volunteering at this year’s Fest! Our volunteers are invaluable to helping the Fest run smoothly, and we greatly appreciate their help and support. Applications will be available beginning early winter 2026.