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Description
The purpose of the project is to establish the Czech Children''s Book Centre (hereinafter referred to as "CCBC") and its operation using the know-how resulting from the partnership with the Norwegian partner MAGIKON. The aim of the project, or rather the mission of the CCBC, is to promote children''s reading and literacy, including the dissemination of quality children''s literature created by connecting artists - writers and illustrators, who will be given the opportunity to publish new children''s literary works created in the framework of paid creative workshops, and networking workshops with the assistance of experienced dramaturges.
The purpose of the workshops is to support artists in publishing their literary work through creative writing workshops for writers and art workshops for illustrators. The aim of the networking workshops is to bring together the artists from the writing and illustrating communities to produce valuable children''s literature in a new and innovative way. The selection of literary works for publication will be ensured by an expert board consisting of CCBC staff (project team), experienced book and magazine editors, and marketing professionals. The published literary works will then be presented among the general public, especially target groups of children, including children from orphanages, in a form of book signings, author readings and christenings of new works in the premises of CCBC and at the Do You Read, Children?! festival which has long been run by the applicant.
The project aims, among other things, to create a strategy for working with children''s audiences and implement the activities for children - workshops, thematic programmes and author readings. The implementation of this strategy will be evaluated and methodically described. The project will enhance the quality of Czech artists, improve conditions for creative work and the development of reading among children and youth, including children and youth from orphanages.
Summary of project results
The Czech Children''s Book Centre (CCBC) was created to introduce literary and visual arts to readers from a young age. The need for the implementation of the project lies in the need for a different approach of children and adults to literary works, which were presented to children in a methodical and educational way thanks to the project. Despite the creation of high-quality and attractive content for individual events, project promoter encountered low interest from the target groups.
The project included the implementation of 73 events for children from kindergartens, primary schools, and children''s homes, as well as 2 literary competitions for primary school students. Additionally, 25 creative workshops for illustrators and writers (master classes) were held, alongside 6 networking workshops for artists and 13 other events for children. Five children''s books were published, and a comprehensive strategy for engaging with children''s audiences was developed and practically implemented. The project also founded the CCBC, inaugurated through 3 opening events, which included libraries filled with contemporary, valuable literature for children. Cooperation with institutions and publishing houses was established. The project team visited a partner in Norway twice, with representatives from Norway visiting three times. These efforts culminated in the creation of a new institution, which is gradually establishing its position within the Czech literary scene and provides a creative and inspiring space for children, parents, and the professional public through its various activities.
The creation of the CCBC marked a significant milestone in the project, establishing a space dedicated to promoting children''s literature and fostering a connection between young readers and contemporary works.
A key achievement was the development and implementation of strategies to engage with a children''s audience in the field of literature. This initiative focused on creating meaningful and interactive experiences for children, helping them connect with the world of books and storytelling.
The project also played a vital role in strengthening the capacities of Knižní stezky k demet, z.s., empowering the organization to expand its reach and impact in the field of children''s literature and culture.
Efforts to secure donors for the project were successful, ensuring the financial sustainability and continued growth of the initiative.
The project reached a wide audience, with 1,280 people attending the events organized within its scope.
Additionally, 116 cultural actors received training through masterclasses, enhancing their skills and knowledge in the field of children''s literature.
A highlight of the project was the publication of 5 literary works for children, achieved through the innovative collaboration between writers and illustrators, which resulted in fresh, engaging content for young readers.
The significance of the project and its contribution to the goal of the program is that the project of high-quality contemporary art within the framework of literature, more precisely children''s reading and literacy, including the dissemination of children''s literature, the resulting connection of artists from a number of writers and illustrators with the aim of publishing new literary works and supporting work with children''s audiences, and with the support of the project''s Norwegian partner.
Summary of bilateral results
The Norwegian partner, successful publisher Svein Storksen, is the husband of the world-renowned artist Kristin Roskifte, which made the partnership doubly beneficial for the project. Through their involvement, the long-standing publishing activities and experiences of a publisher and organizer of literary events in Norway were shared. They referred to other institutions important for Norwegian literature, which were visited on multiple occasions. Their involvement in the project was particularly valuable in terms of the inspiration provided by the more experienced partner.The Norwegian partner was visited twice in Oslo, and he also traveled to Prague twice, once accompanied by his wife, the Norwegian artist. The Norwegian partner participated in both the opening and closing conferences of the project. Thanks to his participation and presentation, the Czech audience gained insight into the functioning of the Norwegian book and visual arts market, which benefited not only the project team but also other publishers and librarians in attendance. The project also received valuable support from the partner in areas such as PR and marketing. In addition, the collaboration led to further meetings with representatives of Norwegian institutions focused on children''s and youth literature. These included Biblo Toyen, a specialized library for children aged 10 to 15; Litteraturhuset, an institution organizing literary events for both children and adults; and the Norsk Barnebokinstitutt, the Norwegian Institute for Children''s Books, which is the closest to the project''s focus in Oslo. All meetings were inspirational, and some of them will lead to future collaboration.