Overview
- The FIBD voided last weekend’s tender outcome and will install a steering committee on 18 December to relaunch a transparent process, with results due 18 June 2026.
- The association confirmed 9eArt+ will not be renewed after its current contract ends in 2027, as the company’s teams continue to deliver the 2026 and 2027 editions.
- Director Franck Bondoux said he will step back from dealings with the profession during this period, while Festival president Delphine Groux said her resignation is not on the table.
- Major publishers and many authors had announced withdrawals or boycott threats for 2026, and organizers acknowledge the boycott has not been lifted despite the reversal.
- Public funders and the mayor of Angoulême criticized how the decision was announced and convened further talks on a path out of the crisis, as legal scrutiny of 9eArt+ continues and the 2026 edition, scheduled for 29 January to 1 February, remains uncertain.