Here’s a checklist of the Lakes International Comic Art Festival‘s current “year round” projects. Some of these are specific to our annual Lakes International Comic Art Festival, and where appropriate the links will take you to our sister site.
British Comics Now aims to be a nationally-significant project for Britain’s comics and graphic novels sector, delivering a step change in the global exposure, distribution and recognition of the sector. Looking to make a huge impact nationally and internationally on the work of comic artists and graphic novelists in the UK, the project includes the first International Rights Market for comics in the country, taking place at the LICAF annual weekend Festival in Bowness-on-Windermere September, only the second of its kind in the world.
The Comics Laureate is an ambassadorial and educational role for the comics medium and aims to raise awareness of the impact comics can have in terms of increasing literacy and creativity.
Working closely with the Lakes International Comics Art Festival, the Comics Laureate champions the role of comics in improving literacy through a programme of educational visits, workshop events, guest appearances and conferences. A key focus will be working to increase the acceptance of comics as a creative art form in schools, libraries and throughout the education system.
• Comic Potential
Comic Potential is a new project, made possible through grant aid from the Paul Hamlyn Foundation, via their Art-based Learning Fund.
It aims to explore how comics can support two primary and two special schools in Cumbria, to increase the enjoyment of reading in class, develop skills to support storytelling, writing and drawing; and increase confidence and well-being through techniques for self-expression for pupils.
• Ink to Action
From Ink to Action – using Comic Art to Save the Planet is a collaboration between The Lakes International Comic Art Festival (LICAF) and the British Council – MENA.
It brings together twelve talented artists from the Arab region to tackle pressing environmental issues through the compelling medium of comic art.
• Make Mine Manga
Our exhibition curated by Paul Gravett and manga workshop programme, curated by the LICAF team. Find out more on our sister LICAF site
Make Mine Manga is a free, touring exhibition for anyone curious about manga as well as the avid fan
Explore the origins of manga in Japan, the creative techniques behind the art and discover the wonder of manga and anime. The exhibition – available for hire – features artwork from incredible creators from Japan and discover today’s generation of award-winning British talents making manga in their own way as part of a truly global comic language.
Since its inception, the Lakes international Comic Art Festival has been active in facilitating creative exchanges allowing UK comics creators to take up residencies with overseas partners, and overseas creators to visit the UK for the purpose of artists’ residencies. These have been hugely successful and are part of the organisation’s year round activities.
The Lakes international Comic Art Festival has built up an extensive catalogue of video resources for aspiring comic creators, fans and professionals seeking to teach comics in classroom environments over the years. Our YouTube video channel also includes many interviews with comic creators as well as insights into past Festivals.