TORONTO — Corus Entertainment’s kids content producer and distributor Nelvana and children’s book publisher Kids Can Press announced today the Nelvana/Kids Can Press Talent Incubator: Black Write Edition, a new initiative designed to discover, support and mentor emerging Black storytellers and illustrators, according to a press release.
“Our goal with this talent incubator is to match promising Black creators with industry professionals from two of Canada’s leading children’s content companies in order to develop original work,” said Athena Georgaklis, head of development at Nelvana, in the press release.
“We want to give budding creators, particularly those currently outside of the children’s content ecosystem, the chance to develop their work and make essential connections in the television, animation, and publishing industries.”
“Stories for children can be a powerful space to explore new ideas and tackle compelling topics, while inspiring and educating,” said Naseem Hrab, associate publisher, creative, Kids Can Press.
“We know there are new stories and illustrations out there that should be shared and deserve a wider audience. It is our hope that this talent incubator reaches Black storytellers who are looking for that opportunity.”
Black storytellers and illustrators are being invited to submit their story proposals or illustration portfolio through the blackwrite.ca website.
“Candidates who are selected will be paired with creative advisors in animation production or book publishing to develop and fully realize their work,” reads the press release.
The aim of the first edition of the incubator is “to develop at least one original concept each for TV and book publishing as well as to foster community among new voices and industry professionals,” the release says.
The submission deadline is Nov. 30.
Corus says future editions of the talent incubator will focus on other underrepresented communities.
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