New Zealand/Taiwan Graphic Novelists Exchange!

Above: A selection of New Zealand and Taiwanese comics.

The New Zealand Book Council and The Publishers Association of New Zealand - with the participation of Creative NZ, have announced a graphic novelist/cartoonist residential exchange between Taiwan and New Zealand.

The exchange will enable three New Zealand cartoonists to collaborate on the creation of a single graphic novel with three of their peers from Taiwan. The completed work will be published in a joint initiative by the Publishers Association of New Zealand and the Taipei Book Fair Foundation, and launched at the Taipei International Book Exhibition in February 2015 - where New Zealand will be the Guest of Honour.

This is a fantastic opportunity for three local cartoonist/graphic novelist to participate in a unique comics collaboration, and to engage and explore the culture of Taiwanese comics.

The first phase of the residency will take place in the Auckland region from Monday 13th to Saturday 18th of October 2014. The second phase will be in Taiwan and will take place from Monday 2nd to Friday 6th of February 2015. The successful applicants will also be invited to remain in Taiwan for part of the Book Fair which will take place from 11th–16th of February 2015. Occasional video conferencing or Skype opportunities between the collaborators will also be made available.

The aim of this exchange is to foster collaboration between artists through the creation and publication of a cross-cultural graphic novel, which in turn provides an opportunity for graphic novels to be discussed and explored within an international context.

A fee of $2,500 is offered to each participating graphic novelist. This fee includes the cost of any artist materials required. If necessary, travel expenses to Auckland will be covered. Accommodation and meals will be provided during the period of the residency. Travel to Taiwan and accommodation and per diems in Taiwan will also be covered.

The opportunity is open to graphic novelists and comic artists who can demonstrate a successful track record in the genre. This is likely to include a publication, either online or in print.

To be eligible to participate, applicants must be a New Zealand citizen or a permanent resident, and be available to participate and travel to both Auckland and Taiwan on the appropriate dates.

Applicants should provide a covering letter which includes the following details:

- An outline of the applicant’s strengths and suitability for the residency.
- Ideas on how to create a successful collaborative process within the context of this project.
- Details of any experience of working on a collaborative artistic project.
- Confirmation of availability on the stipulated dates.

Applicants are also asked to provide a relevant CV. If appropriate, please also include one copy of a recent publication.

Two letters of support which outline the applicant’s suitability for the project may be included with the application.

Applications close at 5.00pm this Monday, 11th of August, 2014.

Please send your cover letter and CV to Book Council Chief Executive Catriona Ferguson by email: director@bookcouncil.org.nz or post applications to:

Graphic Novelist Residency
New Zealand Book Council
Level 4, 156–158 Victoria St
Te Aro Wellington 0630

If you have any questions please email Catriona Ferguson at director@bookcouncil.org.nz or call her on 021 0248 2637.

Get your applications in now, and best of luck! Earth's End will follow the progress of this project as it develops.

- AK!