RAYMOND LEBLANC FOUNDATION

Officially inaugurated on September 26, 2006 at the 60th anniversary of Éditions du Lombard and "Tintin" magazine, the Raymond Leblanc Foundation has opened to the public, beginning September 27.

RLF's purpose is to honor, assemble, and preserve the entire cultural heritage of Raymond Leblanc, founder - among others - of Éditions du Lombard, "Tintin" magazine, the Publiart advertising agency, and the Belvision animation studios.

Located in a brand new space on the 2nd floor of the "Tintin Building," RLF organize permanent and temporary exhibits. RLF intends to highlight comic strips and animation through various rooms dedicated to the accomplishments of Raymond Leblanc.

Looking toward the future, RLF also wishes to encourage and support innovation by establishing an annual prize to be awarded to young strip cartoonists. Candidates must present a short story, with a cover, on a given topic. Winners will be published collectively by Éditions du Lombard. Also, an exhibit will be devoted to them, and the grand prize winner will receive financial support.

Details of the contest were revealed at the official inauguration of RLF on September 26, 2006.

RLF is also committed to promoting the cultural image of Brussels as a European capital and as a center for comic strips, by drawing attention to its heritage, particularly through the historic "Tintin Building."

Moreover, RLF has been established with the objective of becoming a place for meetings and intercultural exchange, supporting and stimulating comic strips in general and honoring those who create them. Conferences and showings will be organized in the former Belvision viewing room, specially redesigned for this purpose.