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COMICA 2007:
LINGUA COMICA

"Comics are an international language that can cross boundaries and generations. Comics are a bridge between all cultures."
Osamu Tezuka

THE PARTICIPANTS

Fionnuala Doran (Ireland) with Sarah Mokhtar (Malaysia)
Mari Ahokoivu (Finland) with Kaori Kuniyasu (Japan)
Sophie Darcq (France) with Thanh Phong (Vietnam)
Paola Cortese (Italy) with Rommel Joson (Philippines)
Ken Niimura (Spain) with Choi Juhyun (Korea)
Tom Smith (UK) with Vishwajyoti Ghosh (India)
Gabor Kiss (Hungary) with Aziza Noor (Indonesia)

THE INVITATION

Applications are invited from comic artists and writers to participate in a cultural exchange between European and Asian comic creators. Organised by the Asia-Europe Foundation in association with the 2007 Comica Festival, participants will embark on a 6 week online virtual collaboration between August 27 and October 8, culminating in a one-week workshop to be held in London between October 20 to 24.

During the workshop, a team of established facilitators will work with the participants to develop possible collaborations between the European and Asian creators. After a series of workshops, case studies and life classes, participants will have the opportunity to present the result of their exchange and experiences during the 2007 Comica Festival. Further details can be found at Asia-Europe Foundation.

Deadline for applications: August 15, 2007

WHO CAN APPLY?

Lingua Comica is aimed at comic artists, writers and producers who:

• Possess an interest in collaborative work and cross-cultural exchanges and productions. Prior relevant experiences and/or projects as well as participation and interest in local and international artist networks are an asset.

• Have a keen interest in exchanging thoughts and visions with other artists from other countries and backgrounds. Documented interest for European artist in the Asian graphic novel scene and vice versa would also be valuable.

• Are interested in and can commit to participating in a six week online collaboration with a team of (a) their own choice or (b) an assigned team consisting of at least one Asian and one European artist. The artist commits to regularly engaging in exchange with his/her partner(s) with the final goal of the creation of a finished comics-format narrative.

• Are between 18 and 35 years of age.

• Possess a good ability to communicate in English, which is the working language during the workshops.

• Are nationals of ASEM member countries, ie:
Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Bulgaria, Cambodia, China, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India,  Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Laos, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mongolia, Myanmar, The Netherlands, Pakistan, The Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, United Kingdom and Vietnam.

The project is especially looking out for young artists who are active in local and/or international networks and keen to continue collaboration within Asia and Europe on a long term basis and to share information and networks with like-minded professionals.

APPLICATIONS

• A Motivation Letter (no longer than 2 pages) stating why you are keen to participate in this project, highlighting your interest in cross-cultural and collaborative projects.

• Concept: (no longer than 3 paragraphs) list down your suggestions for themes and approaches for collaboration in pairs, include your preferred comic genre(s) and an outline or synopsis of your short story.

• Your Curriculum Vitae (no longer than 2 pages) detailing your professional experience related to project concept.

• Samples of your work, to be submitted in electronic formats such as .jpeg or .PDF/word. The size should not exceed 150 Dpi.

• Detailed description of team members and roles within the group. The participants (2-4 in one group should be combined Asian and Europeans).

• Single application: should you apply by yourself, define the role you would take on in a collaboration (to help the organisers setting up collaborations for you).

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

• Participation implies a part-time commitment of 6 weeks – so only enthusiastic experimenters need apply! The organisers reserve the right to exchange team members for absence of delivery.

• The participants will receive token payments for their regular contributions to the Asia-Europe Collaboratory at the end of the project.

• If necessary, ASEF will subsidise your round-trip ticket and other related expenses to attend the Project in London. The accommodation in London (twin sharing) as well as meals for the duration of the project will also be taken care of.

• The artist keep their rights to the image, but the organisers reserve the right to use any associated images and artworks in future projects, for non-commercial or promotional purposes only.