Shaun Tan’s The Arrival

Irish Independent has a brief piece about Shaun Tan’s book The Arrival – here

The book was published in 2007 but continues to make new friends. If you’re looking for Christmas gift to get yourself this Christmas – get this. The Winding Stair had copies last time I was in for anyone in Dublin.

We’re hoping Shaun might be in Dublin in May 2009 – watch this space.

Arts Council Funding Decisions

News of the funding decisions (and revised decisions) are trickling out slowly.

The Irish Times carries a piece today about the range of cuts facing most organisations – Alas is seems that all funding to the Irish Writers Centre has been cut. A total cut like this is obviously devastating. I hope Cathal, Ian and the team can cope.

For us in CBI things look a bit better. Our funding has been maintained at 2008 levels which is a massive relief.

Not such a happy Christmas for the arts community it seems-  though some good news comes with the announcement of Celine Kiernan’s new book deal – see David or Irish Times

New members of arts council announced

Finally White Smoke from Merrion Square.

Six new members and a new chairperson have been announced for the Arts Council. The positions have been vacant for 6 months now and there was a rising feeling of despair among the arts community.  Had  the Minister forgotten about the council entirely?

Pat Moylan – independent producer is the new chairperson. Other new members are Louise Donlon; Paul Johnson; Fiona Kearney; Sheila O’Neill; Orlaith McBride; and Caroline Senior. Interestingly of the 6 new appointees four are in charge of arts venues, a shift away perhaps from including a high proportion of artists on the Council.

None of the new  appointees have a strong literature background. Does this leaves Colm Tóibín  as perhaps the sole voice for literature on the Council?

Full biogs and details over on the Arts Council

Festive Fear

Lots of things have been getting in the way of posting lately – Pj Lynch, parties, Budapest, stemming the flow of 2009 leaks

Normal service will hopefully resume next week – In the meantime here are some scary stories from CBI’s recent Derek Landy competition to keep you amused.

Direct from the screening – guest post

First official guest post from Tom Donegan – CBI’s intrepid Programme Officer

I’ve Just been to see a preview of the new ‘Secret of Kells’ animated movie, written and directed by the Cartoon Saloon’s Tomm Moore. A small but select crowd was in attendance, including members of the band Kila (who provide much of the music in the film), representatives of Trinity College (who can expect a tourist boom when it hits the screens next March) and Disney who are handling the promotion/ distribution side of things.

Not going into full critical mode here but the in summary the film is absolutely breathtaking – really stretches the boundaries of what might be considered ‘conventional’ 2D animation techniques. The narrative is simple yet powerful and features some great moments of humour, whilst the exhilarating score completes the experience perfectly. This beautiful and affecting film is the combination of over 12 years hard graft across three countries (Belgian and Brazilian animation teams were also heavily involved) and deserves to be shouted about from the top of every round tower in the country – another Irish Oscar anybody?

NB. The O’Brien Press are due to publish two complimentary titles in the coming months – a picture book  and illustrated novelisation. Tomm is currently looking for a publisher for a Graphic Novel version as well – any takers?

Judy Blume’s new touring model

Random Person: What do you do?

Me: I work in children’s book

Random person: ehh really, is that a real job? I suppose you’ve read the  Harry Potter books then  and I suppose its important that kids do read books.  I remember really like Roald Dahl as a kid and oh yes those books that got passed around school with the important bits highlighted.

Me: Do you mean Judy Blume

Random Person: YES! thats the one, Forever was playground contraband in our place.

Okay so I’m generalising here but Judy Blume is a hallowed name in writing for young people. She’s still controversial for some adults. In fact Forever was the second most challenged book of 2005, according to the American Library Association and she is recognized as one of the most banned children’s authors in the US.

Anyway to celebrate her most recent titles, she’s touring book blogs – Its a great idea, creating sustained interest across the next few weeks and reaching people who are interested in her work.

First installment over on Big a Little A