Word: Enhancing European Graphic Novel Perception, Circulation and Market Development

Programme(s): Creative Europe Programme (CREA)
Topic: CREA-CULT-2024-LIT
Type of action: CREA Lump Sum Grants
Project ID: 101192209

Objective: The main challenging issues: 1-Graphic novel market in Slovenia lacks high quality translations with high literary, aesthetical and societal value, as it is still perceived as a trivial comic book equivalent, 2-Lack (or poor) crucial elements: stable audience pool, normal bookstore, established promotion channels, international networking and integration, media coverage, and multiple strong players that would invest in audience cultivating. Project objectives are: 1-To publish high quality graphic novels with excellent literary, aesthetical and societal value, translated in Slovene, 2-To boost their recognition and visibility through integrated promotion and creative themed events, aimed at target audiences, and 3-To improve market conditions with systematic actions (graphic novel festival, fairs attendance, education of librarians) that will increase sales and also improve conditions on the long run. Work program relevance: -Key actions: translations, publishing, distribution, promotion bundle, graphic novel festival, audience cultivation, market development. The project is about graphic novels translations to Slovene, and about smart market and audience development, required to make sales in a small market. -Key results include: 11 high-quality graphic novels tackling minorities and similar societal messages, of high literary and aesthetical value, translated from EU languages, tailored creative events celebrating their publishing, large-sclae promo campaigns (guerilla, niche, national radio, posters), 3 graphic novel workshops, first international graphic novel festival in Slovenia, dedicated matchmaking of artists, publishers and agents. -Impact: to improve the graphic novel offerings, cultivate audience’s reading culture, improve long-term market conditions, boost graphic novel reputation and credibility as a lively vocal genre, boost sales. -Target groups benefiting: youth, children, young adults, librarians, graphic novel artists, translators.