Animayo Gran Canaria 2026: The global summit that connects Canarian talent with the giants of Hollywood and the 3D industry

 

Animayo Gran Canaria celebrates its 21st edition from May 6 to 9, 2026 in Las Palmas de Gran CanariaThe event brings together the world's elite in animation and visual effects to connect local talent with major international studios and promote the island's economic diversification.

 

El International Summit on Animation, Visual Effects and Video Games, Animayo, has presented the progress of its program for a meeting that will not only be limited to in-person attendance on the island, but will extend its reach through a format online until September 2025, and a tour of the rest of the archipelago starting in June. The filmmaker Damián Perea, director and producer of AnimayoHe highlighted that the festival has evolved into a year-round active platform, capable of acting as a competitive hub in the global market.

 

International consolidation and economic diversification

 

During the presentation event, Antonio Morales, Chairman of the Cabildo de Gran CanariaHe emphasized that this festival is a key element in showcasing the capabilities of the film industry in the region. MoralesThe quote "positions our island as an international benchmark for prestigious animated films," facilitating the diversification of the economy through the talent of Canarian creators. The relevance of the event is reflected in the participation, for the first time on the island, of renowned studios such as the London-based studio. Framestore and US Blur Studios.

 

For its part, Carolina Darias, mayor of Ayuntamiento de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, together with Josué Íñiguez OlleroThe councillor for Culture highlighted that Animayo reinforces the city's profile as an environment creative and innovativeIn the context of the candidacy for European Capital of Culture 2031The festival positions itself as a key ally in promoting economic development and audiovisual education worldwide.

 

Connection between education, talent and the global market

 

Alfonso Cabello MesaDeputy Minister of the Presidency of Gobierno de CanariasHe emphasized that this summit transcends the festive aspect to become a strategic space for training and employmentInstitutions such as the Instituto Canario de Desarrollo Cultural (ICDC), Promotur Turismo de Canarias y Proexca (Canary Islands Economic Development Society) support this initiative, especially within the framework of Business Animation Network, which generates real opportunities for attracting investments and projects.

 

The 21st edition will feature more than 40 star guests from entertainment giants such as Pixar, Disney, Warner Bros, DreamWorks y Skydance AnimationAmong the speakers are prominent figures such as Alan Bodner (Walt Disney Television Animation), Andrew Gordon (referent in Pixar), And Arslan Elver (FramestoreThe educational offering will be enhanced with the program "Decide your future" at the new site of El Real de Triana, where the professions with the highest demand in the technological and artistic sector will be presented.

 

Figures and impact metrics of Animayo Gran Canaria 2026

 

Category	Data / Quantity
Investment in Talent Scholarships	More than 600.000 euros
Works received for competition	More than 2.000 pieces of animation
Participation in Poster Contest	848 works from 68 countries
International speakers and guests	+40 elite experts
Formation activities	13 Masterclasses and 6 Practical Workshops

 

The festival also maintains its commitment to the technical excellence and the local industry. Fernando Fernández, general director of the Fundación La Caja de Canarias, confirmed that the CICCA It will remain the main venue, solidifying its position as the event's training epicenter. Furthermore, the festival will distribute more than 600.000 euros in scholarships for studies at prestigious centers such as U-tad, U-DIT y UNIR.

 

• In-person recruitment: Direct professional meetings with leading studios for talent acquisition.
• Official Sections: Screening of short films rated for the Premios Óscar.
• Sectoral diversity: Panels on artificial intelligence and the role of women in the industry (MIA).

 

Key points and frequently asked questions about Animayo Gran Canaria

 

What is the main economic objective of this edition of Animayo?

The goal is to connect emerging talent with the global industry elite, facilitating the economic diversification of Gran Canaria and positioning the island as a hub technological and creative capable of attracting international investment and generating skilled employment.

 

Which major international studios are participating in the festival for the first time?

In this 21st edition, the additions of Framestore (UK) and Blur Studios (United States) as sponsors and active participants in recruitment and professional training sessions.

 

What benefits does Animayo offer to students and young talents?

The festival offers more than 600.000 euros in scholarships for specialized training in digital arts, as well as portfolio reviews, masterclasses with directors of major studios and the opportunity to participate in direct selection processes with leading companies in the audiovisual sector.