Comics Literacy Awareness
| Established | 2014 |
|---|---|
| Mission | Promoting literacy through comic books |
| Key people | trustees: Paul Register Julie Tait Ian Churchill Emma Hayley Dr. Mel Gibson Bryan Talbot |
| Location | |
| Website | www |
Comics Literacy Awareness (CLAw) is a national organization in the United Kingdom promoting literacy through comic books.
Founded in 2014, it is a registered charity under English law[1] and its mission is to raise the literacy levels of UK children through the medium of comics and graphic novels.
CLAw organizes the UK's Comics Laureate, on the model of the Children's Laureate, to act as an ambassador for comic books and their potential to improve literacy.[2] The first Comics Laureate, Dave Gibbons, was selected in October 2014.[3] Subsequent Comics Laureates have been Charlie Adlard (2017-19), Hannah Berry (2019-21), Stephen L. Holland (2021-23) and Bobby Joseph (2023-25).[4]
Argentina: Civic Legislative Initiative for Comics Promotion
[edit]In 2014, Argentine comic artist, cultural promoter, and independent activist Fernando Sosa spearheaded a civic legislative initiative titled the Law for the Promotion and Support of National Comics (Ley de Fomento y Promoción de la Historieta Nacional). The proposal was submitted to the Argentine National Congress with the aim of recognizing comics as part of the country's living cultural heritage and establishing concrete state policies for their development and public access.
Although the bill was not passed, it was notable as one of the first legislative efforts in Latin America specifically devoted to the comic arts. The proposal sought to:
- Encourage the creation, editing, and distribution of comics by national artists.
- Ensure access to comics in public, school, union, and university libraries.
- Promote the integration of comics into educational programs.
- Support professional training and a federal network of comic publishers.
- Provide funding and legal frameworks for the preservation of Argentina’s comic legacy.
This initiative was aligned with global movements promoting comics as tools for literacy, education, and cultural democratization, similar to the work later done by organizations such as Comics Literacy Awareness (CLAw) in the UK.
Despite the lack of formal adoption, the proposal became a significant precedent in public discourse around comics and cultural policy in Argentina. It has since been referenced in academic conferences, grassroots campaigns, and efforts to create independent comic networks across the country.
Reception and Context
[edit]This proposal was one of the earliest legislative efforts dedicated specifically to comics in Latin America. Although it was not enacted into law, it attracted attention in specialized media and cultural circles.
Journalist Andrés Valenzuela, in an article published by *Página/12*, highlighted that the law represented a concrete attempt to institutionalize comics as part of national cultural policy.[5]
Link to International Initiatives
[edit]The proposal aligns with international movements such as the UK-based organization Comics Literacy Awareness (CLAw), which promotes comics as tools for literacy and cultural development.
References
[edit]- ^ "Comics Literacy Awareness, registered charity no. 1158064". Charity Commission for England and Wales.
- ^ Comics Literacy Awareness (2014). Comics Laureate. Archived 2015-03-21 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Guardian: Watchmen graphic novelist Dave Gibbons appointed first comics laureate
- ^ The Lakes International Comic Art Festival
- ^ Valenzuela, Andrés (September 4, 2012). "Motivos para el brindis, bloopers y cuentas pendientes". Página/12.
- Bill 0502-D-2014: Law for the Promotion and Support of National Comics. Argentine Chamber of Deputies.
