The workshops aim to teach children how to tell an engaging story in a simple and exciting way, creating drama and suspense using colour and cartoons. Available for individual registrations on 24^th April and 8^th May, sessions are also on offer to schools and community groups on a first come, first serve basis.

Leading the workshops is Nicole Mollett – an artist who previously benefitted from the University’s TestBeds project – who is inviting young people to submit 1-2 page graphic stories that will be displayed on the upper gallery level of The Mall in Luton this summer. The young people’s Graphic Novel exhibition follows the Graphic Novel for Luton project, which Nicole headed up in March 2020.

For the Graphic Novel for Luton, a number of local writers teamed up with Nicole to create a collection of hand-drawn stories about Luton, which is still on display in the shopping centre. Now, Nicole is asking for Luton’s younger population to get involved, using the workshops to share tips and techniques to help them with their exhibition submissions.

She said: “I am really looking forward to the comic drawing workshops. I believe everyone can draw – drawing is a language, and whether you make funny comics or focus on more serious social political issues, drawing is a great way to share your ideas and identity. 

“I hope lots of young budding storytellers can join me on one of the upcoming Saturdays and become part of a global community of artists."

The workshops are being facilitated by the University’s Aspire Higher team and Luton Cultural Education Partnership (LCEP), which both work collaboratively with other local organisations to engage with school-age children and promote cultural and educational activities.

Paula Page, Collaborative Outreach Project Manager at the University, hopes the workshops can offer a stimulating opportunity to children in the community. She said:

“Aspire Higher are excited to be working on this project with the Luton Cultural Education Partnership and Nicole Mollet, which further strengthens the collaborative work that the team engages with. 

“This is a great opportunity for schools and community groups to participate in one of Nicole’s workshops and be involved in the Graphic Novel project.”

Arts & Culture Projects Manager, Emma Gill, added:

“Nicole is an inspiring and entrepreneurial artist who situates community into the heart of much of her work. Her continued engagement with the University and also Luton as a whole has provided an opportunity for us to collectively develop a new way of reaching young people despite the challenges that COVID-19 has brought.”

Those who wish to take part in the workshops should register now via Eventbrite.

To register interest in submitting a story to be considered for the summer exhibition and to download the graphic story guide, email jitty.marwaha@beds.ac.uk

Further information about this activity and other schemes which the University’s Arts & Culture Projects team are overseeing – including the National Lottery-funded Heritage project – visit: www.beds.ac.uk/arts-and-culture-projects