In a major coup for the organisers - perhaps signifying comics are indeed becoming more mainstream once more - the annual British International Comic Show has been awarded a £6,000 Arts Council grant to help further their work in bringing the medium of comics to a wider audience.
"We are very honoured to receive this funding from the Arts Council" commented co-organiser, Shane Chebsey, who is busy preparing for the weekend which runs over the weekend of 3rd-4th October 2009 this year and says it will contribute some 15 per cent of the costs of running the Festival.
"This extra money will help us to enhance the BICS experience for all those attending the show, from fans to guests, and from retailers to publishers," he added. "It's a huge step forward for the show and for the medium of comics in the UK.
"It's yet another sign of further recognition for comics as an art form and entertainment medium," he feels.
It's estimated that over 4000 fans and professionals will be attending this year's show, with guest creators in attendance from all over the world, including Japan, America and Europe.
Major publishers, including Jonathan Cape, will also be launching new books and inviting readers to meet their favourite creators, such as the legendary British Graphic Novelist Bryan Talbot, who was recently awarded the first honorary doctorate for a Comic Artist by the University of Sunderland.
Dr. Talbot will be launching his new Graphic Novel Grandville at the show and also conducting a special presentation for fans.
• To find out more about BICS visit: www.thecomicsshow.co.uk
No doubt this money will be put to the good use of subsidising the small press exhibitors to bring the table prices in line with the bigger, louder, events like the MCM Expos, making the event accessible to people just starting out in small press and not simply those with a lot of disposable income. :)
ReplyDeleteI joke of course.