THEY say a picture can tell a thousand words.
Next month at the University of New England, pictures will be speaking volumes at a visual storytelling symposium hosted by the UNE School of Arts.
Expert practitioners and academics from a range of disciplines will introduce the art, craft and theory of visual storytelling through interactive presentations and conversations.
In an exploration of cultures and contexts subjects as diverse as the politics of Tintin, Lewis Carroll’s Jabberwocky, the hidden world of North Korean picture books and how Russian immigrants influenced the iconic Little Golden Books will be discussed.
Elizabeth Hale from UNE’s School of Arts said the exciting symposium was the first in a series of events in 2014 that focused on children’s and visual media.
“What we want to do in this symposium is investigate the complexities of visual storytelling, which is becoming increasingly important in our multi-media age, not only in children’s and young people’s stories, but stories for all ages,” Dr Hale said.
“Visual literacy plays a vital role in school curriculum, and we will be exploring visual storytelling from theoretical, practical and historical angles.
“It is amazing how many stories are told visually. Books, movies, apps, posters, advertising – these are all forms of visual storytelling.”
Acclaimed musician and illustrator of children’s books Lisa Stewart will discuss the practicalities of telling stories with pictures and the inspiration behind her beautiful illustrations at the symposium.
Cartoonist, comic strip illustrator, caricature artist and graphic artist Jules Faber will also be there to give insight into another fun and creative arm of visual storytelling.
The event is funded by the Copyright Agency’s Cultural Fund and supported by the UNE School of Arts.
Teachers who attend the symposium will be able to obtain accreditation through the BOSTES standards.
The symposium will take place on Friday 16 May, from 8.30am to 6pm, in UNE Arts Lecture Theatre A2.
Registrations close on 2 May.
