AAEC 2026 Convention

From the Daily Cartoonist.

Thirty odd members of the Association of American Editorial Cartoonists met in Sacramento last weekend to discuss the state of the profession and the future of the association.

AAEC president Marc Murphy lead a discussion on whether the group should change its name to the Association of Political Artists as a way to attract younger members. 

Many younger people who create political art have no idea what an editorial cartoonist is. 

With editorial cartoonists shrinking in number, the hope is to enlarge the membership of the group by including graphic novelists, poster artists, and other artists who use the visual medium to create political satire.

After a healthy debate, the group voted for the name change. 

They also voted that the group would become an adjunct to the Society of Illustrators to stabilize the group's membership.

The Association of American Editorial Cartoonists will soon be known as the Association of Political Artists.

Steve Brodner was elected as the association's president and will be hosting next year's convention in New York City.

On a Canadian note, Graham Mackay of the Hamilton Spectator won the Babin Award for local cartooning.