The nomination process for Ireland’s next children’s laureate is now open. Laureate
na nÓg, an iniatiative of The Arts Council, is an honorary title
conferred on an established and dynamic children’s author or illustrator
for a period of two years. The next Laureate will be following
in the footsteps of the inaugural Laureate na nÓg, Siobhán Parkinson,
and the incumbent, Niamh Sharkey.
Sarah
Bannan, the Arts Council’s Head of Literature, says, ‘Laureate na nÓg
is Ireland’s highest honour for a writer or illustrator of children’s
books and was established by the Arts Council in order to celebrate the
extraordinary talents of our writers and illustrators. Through
this appointment and the Arts Council’s wider strategy for children’s
literature, we are working to broaden and enrich young people’s
imaginative worlds and to highlight the importance of Irish children’s
literature, writers and illustrators in our society.’
It
is fitting that Ireland, as a country world-renowned for its
literature, was one of the first to establish such an honour in the
field of children’s literature. Irish children’s literature and
illustration is recognised worldwide, and there is a huge appetite for
children’s and young adult books at home. Indigenous Irish literature
serves a crucial function, telling Irish stories, past and present, in
English and in Irish, to young readers.
The
past and current Laureates have acted as ambassadors in countries
including the US, Sweden, Austria and Italy. For example Pictiúr, an
exhibition of Irish children’s illustration, has been seen by 25,000
people in 4 countries. And at home Ireland’s Laureates have campaigned
for libraries and to secure access to books for all babies born in
Ireland, amongst many other activities.
Elaina
O’Neill, Director of Children’s Books Ireland, says, ‘Ireland’s first
two Laureates have been real champions for children’s literature and
illustration, for reading and drawing, and for the importance of books
in every child’s life. Laureate na nÓg is a most prestigious position
which acknowledges the phenomenal talent of our native authors and
illustrators and which we are so proud to administer on behalf of the
Arts Council.’
And
now it’s time for Ireland to choose its third Laureate na nÓg. For the
first time, people of all ages have the opportunity to help decide which
Irish author or illustrator they would like to see so honoured.
Nomination forms are available on the link below. Nominations should be
submitted by February 15th 2014.
Current
Laureate na nÓg Niamh Sharkey hopes as many people as possible will
nominate their choice of Laureate. ‘This is the first year that we’re
asking children to get involved as nominators so I hope that parents,
teachers and librarians all around the country will encourage young
people to get nominating,’ she said.
Laureate na
nÓg is an initiative of The Arts Council, with the support of The
Department of Children and Youth Affairs, Children’s Books Ireland,
Poetry Ireland and The Arts Council of Northern Ireland. You can nominate your choice for Laureate na nÓg by filling out a nomination form, which can be downloaded here: New nomination form 2014-16
Nominations should be sent to info@childrensbooksireland.ie before February 15th, 2014
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