Looking back at 2011 one of my highlights was attending the Asian Festival of Children’s Content (AFCC) in Singapore. I met so many lovely people and learned so much more about what was happening in the world of Asian children’s literature at this world class event that I would not hesitate to recommend the AFCC as a “must do” to anyone that is able to attend. The organizers did a fabulous job of putting together a program that was jam packed with informative sessions conducted by speakers from around the globe. Stats show that the 2011 AFCC attracted over 600 participants from 23 countries in the 3 days festival, which comprised of 4 key conferences, 7 Tracks, 70 Sessions, 70 Speakers, 1 Children’s Literature Lecture and 2 literary awards. In addition, another 400 participants attended the free events held in conjunction with the AFCC. President Jose Ramos Horta President of Timor – Leste delivered the Children’s Literature Lecture and presented the literary awards. To get a feel for what I experienced at the 2011 Festival read my posts here and visit our PaperTigers’ July issue which focused on Singapore and the Asian Festival of Children’s content.
The 3rd Asian Festival of Children’s Content will be taking place May 26 – 29, 2012. Venue is to remain the same: the historic Arts House in Singapore. Organizers are hard at work planning a program that I’m sure will be as successful than 2011. For more information head on over to the Asian Festival of Children’s Content website or visit their facebook page. Illustrators take note – last week the call went out for submissions of published work to be showcased at the Book Illustrators Gallery. Closing date for submissions is March 31. Email afccbig (at) gmail (dot) com for more details.