The Comics Laureate is an ambassadorial and educational role for the comic medium and aims to raise awareness of the impact comics can have in terms of increasing literacy and creativity. The appointment is made biennially to a distinguished comics creator, writer, artist or advocate in recognition of their outstanding achievement in the medium.
• For information on the Comics Laureate’s upcoming appearances please contact Carole Tait
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 is working to increase the acceptance of comics as a creative art form in schools, libraries and throughout the education system.
Bobby Joseph was announced as the Comic Laureate 2023-25 during the Lakes International Comic Art Festival on 30th September 2023, in Bowness-on-Windermere. Bobby is an acclaimed comic writer, artist, tutor and editor whose work has often challenged and inspired its readers. His early work includes the creation of Skank magazine, where his best-known strip, "Scotland Yardie", first featured.
Comics Laureate Bobby Josep (2024 - 205) has curated an incredible list of graphic novels by a diverse range of comic creators for children and general readers, available on oour Comics Can Change the World site, which is being promoted by Arts Council England, chief funder of the Lakes International Comic Art Festival, and distributed to libraries across the UK. The books are, of course, also available from all good book and comic shops across the UK.
Covering a wide range of genres from science fiction and fantasy to crime and horror our recommended reading list by Stephen L. Holland, our Comics Laureate 2021-2023, has something for everyone!
