Abu dhabi: The Sharjah Animation and Comics Conference (SACC) 2026 has announced the commencement of submissions for its Pitch the Project Award, inviting artists, writers, producers, and creators to develop original animated series for children that draw inspiration from Arab cultures and traditions.

According to Emirates News Agency, submissions are open until 1st October. Applicants are encouraged to transform their concepts into comprehensive pitch decks, which should cover the series, its world, characters, and narrative structure. A specialist jury will select three projects to be pitched during the conference, focusing on creativity, originality, cultural identity, and potential impact.

The projects are required to explore stories, cultures, and traditions from across the Arab region, reimagining them through children's animation. The aim is to create characters and worlds rooted in their cultural environments, thereby fostering locally inspired content. This initiative is part of SACC's broader efforts to support talent in the sector and connect creators with animation professionals, producers, and industry organizations.

Applicants must submit a PDF pitch deck of no more than 15 slides and 20 MB. This should include the series title and concept, characters, settings, and the structure and main narrative elements of a typical episode. Artwork or mood boards may also be included to illustrate the project's visual identity, providing the jury with a clearer understanding of the proposed series.

The three finalists will have the opportunity to present their projects to animation industry professionals at SACC. The first-place winner will be awarded AED15,000, with AED7,000 for second place and AED4,000 for third. The Pitch the Project Award returns following its 2025 edition, which successfully attracted projects inspired by local stories and cultures.