From September 18 to 20, 2026, The Ink Factory returns to Lyon for a 7th edition that is set to be one of the most ambitious in Europe. With more than 350 artists from 35 countries, the convention has established itself as an essential event on the international tattoo scene, open to the general public and bringing together leading figures of an art form that is constantly evolving.
In just a few years, The Ink Factory has become a true space for artistic exchange. Japan, the United States, Europe, Asia, Latin America… some of the biggest names in tattooing will gather in Lyon, offering visitors a unique opportunity to meet and get tattooed by world-renowned artists without leaving the city.
Created by industry professionals and passionate tattoo enthusiasts Teodor Milev and Morgane Witlberger, from 681 Tattoos studio, the event is driven by a strong ambition: to make Lyon a legitimate stage for the global tattoo scene, on the level of major cultural capitals.
Far from clichés, The Ink Factory promotes a demanding vision of tattooing: that of an ancient art form, rich in cultures, symbolism, and technical know-how.
Each tattooed work is born from an encounter between an artist and skin, between tradition and modernity. From traditional Japanese tattooing to contemporary influences, from realism to graphic styles, from tribal tattooing to new visual languages, the convention highlights a wide diversity of styles and practices that reveal the depth and complexity of this art form. Marquesan tattooing from Polynesia will be especially highlighted during this edition.
“The Ink Factory is, above all, a human adventure driven by passion, respect for the craft, and the desire to share. Our wish is that every person who walks through the doors of the convention feels this energy, discovers the richness of tattooing in all its forms, and understands how deeply this art continues to evolve while remaining rooted in values of transmission, encounter, and authenticity. If, through this event, we manage to create exchanges, inspire vocations, bring generations closer together, and help our world shine, then we will have achieved what matters most” - Teo Milev and Morgane Wiltberger, founders and organizers of The Ink Factory.
Beyond tattooing, The Ink Factory offers an immersive experience combining body painting, illustration, street art, performances, and live music. A true festival within the festival, the event celebrates a global culture at the crossroads of art and counterculture.
A food court will complete the experience, while the “House of Ink” will immerse visitors in the heart of the tattoo universe. Each evening, Lyon-based DJs will bring the festival to life with festive sets.
True to its DNA, The Ink Factory remains an accessible and inclusive event, open both to professionals and to the general public. Amateurs, enthusiasts, curious visitors, and future tattoo collectors: everyone can find their place there, discover this world, exchange with artists, or take the first step.
In a context where tattooing has become a major form of personal and artistic expression, the convention embodies this evolution in both practices and perspectives.
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