12-18 YEAR OLDS ILLUSTRATE WHAT BLACK CULTURE MEANS TO THEM IN LANDMARK, NATIONAL COMIC STRIP COMPETITION

Late last year, young creators across the UK, aged between 12- 18, were asked to answer thought provoking questions about Black Culture using the powerful medium of graphic storytelling – and the results are in.41b14e15-1e14-4915-a298-58f98923eca2.JPGOpal22 Arts and Edutainment of Leicester, in association with the Stephen Lawrence Research Centre (SLRC), launched the Culture Comics: Graphic Novel Competition, with the aim of inspiring young people to tackle thought-provoking themes in the form of a comic strip.

The winning entries from the initiative will be unveiled at a public exhibition in Leicester, which will run from 25th April to 16th May, before being published in a professionally curated graphic novel anthology.

What’s more, the chosen artists who form part of the winning cohort are to be invited to take part in an exclusive workshop led by the UK’s first Comic Laureate of Colour, Bobby Joseph, and Waheeda Rahman-Mair, a celebrated illustrator and animator – both of whom were part of the esteemed panel of judges – giving them expert insights and tips to hone their storytelling skills further.

Tara Munroe, Creative Director at Arts and Edutainment organisation, Opal22 said; “We believe that every young person has a story worth telling, and this competition has given 12-18 year olds a chance to be heard and to talk about real-world issues – something we’re huge advocates of at Opal22. This, in itself, is of enormous significance as they represent a generation that isn’t always seen or heard – and, of course, it is them who will shape the future of our country in the years to come.”

Sherilyn Pereira, Deputy Director of the SLRC said, “The Stephen Lawrence Research Centre (SLRC) is committed to driving meaningful conversations that challenge how we think about race and social justice. Through asking critical questions, raising awareness, and advocating for positive change, we aim to inspire transformative action. It’s been exciting to partner with Opal22 Arts on this project.”