Gran Canaria Hosts Major Animation Industry Summit
Gran Canaria has solidified its status as a European hub for animation and visual effects following the Business Animation Network 2026 held in Las Palmas. The event brought together 62 professionals from 37 international audiovisual organisations.
Part of the 21st International Animayo Festival, this third edition attracted executives and producers from countries including the USA, Canada, the UK, France, Germany, and Poland, alongside Spanish companies. Notable participants included Skydance Animation Studios, Blur Studio, Framestore, Platige Image, and Fortiche Production.
Over two days at the Real de Triana, industry professionals engaged in discussions aimed at co-production, investment, talent acquisition, and establishing businesses in the Canary Islands. The summit has facilitated over 600 B2B meetings across its three editions, establishing a vital connection between the local industry and global markets.
Organised by Damián Perea Producciones, the initiative aims to forge strategic partnerships and enhance access for Canary Islands studios to international platforms, investors, and distributors. It highlights the archipelago’s tax benefits, geographical location, and local talent as key factors in attracting audiovisual projects.
Supported by the Gran Canaria Economic Promotion Society (SPEGC), Proexca, and the Canary Islands Special Zone (ZEC), the event also fosters collaboration between businesses, universities, and training centres to boost employment and innovation in the sector.
Damián Perea, director of Animayo, emphasised that the goal is for these connections to lead to “real projects, investment, and new international partnerships,” reinforcing Gran Canaria as a destination for audiovisual production and development in southern Europe.
