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The Guardian
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
The Guardian view on the Gruffalo: a well-timed comeback, wart and all
It is 21 years since Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler published The Gruffalo's Child, the sequel to their bestselling Gruffalo picture book of five years earlier. While the pair have collaborated on numerous other stories, none is as iconic as the tale of the little brown mouse who outwits a succession of predators. There is no shortage of Gruffalo merchandise. But in an age of franchises and prequels, this author-illustrator partnership clearly decided that less was more. It is reportedly thanks to her wish to support the National Literacy Trust that Ms Donaldson decided to bring the Gruffalo back after all. The new book will be published next year, and used in an international campaign to promote children's reading. The depressing findings of a survey released this week, showing a steep decline in the proportion of UK parents who read aloud to their children, make this announcement particularly welcome. Another report, from the National Literacy Trust, found that the proportion of eight- to 18-year-olds who read for pleasure fell last year to a record low of 35%. Ms Donaldson and Mr Scheffler are well placed to make the case for reading aloud. As an author, she was a late bloomer, first published when she was in her 40s. She has spoken of her impatience with books that are too preachy or sentimental, and rejects the idea of 'picture-book medicine' to help children overcome problems. Her stories, by contrast, are designed to give excitement and joy. Plot and humour are key ingredients, along with her signature rhyming style. In an interview, she recalled the favourite stories that kept her own children from going to sleep at night because they were so 'full of mirth'. It is concerning to learn from the survey, which was carried out by HarperCollins and Nielsen, that parents increasingly see reading as a skill – 'more a subject to learn than a fun thing to do'. The fact that this view is more prevalent among younger adults strongly suggests a link with the rise of digital entertainment and ubiquitous screens and games. Education policies focused on literacy are widely regarded as another factor. For years, authors and other champions of children's literature have warned that the instrumental approach to reading that became dominant under the Conservatives has had the unintended consequence of devaluing creativity. Too often, the texts placed before primary-school pupils are chosen not for their imaginative merit but because they belong to a particular learning scheme. The latest findings support this view. Another new report, from the Publishers Association, describes the situation as a crisis. Among other measures, it urges ministers to bolster library provision and put more emphasis on reading for enjoyment in the curriculum. At a summit earlier this year, Frank Cottrell-Boyce, the author and Waterstones children's laureate, said that the emotional and educational benefits of being read to, for very young children, mean that access to books is a public health issue. The return of the big bad mouse – wily as he is – and his adversary should not be expected to reverse these trends. But the advocacy of Ms Donaldson, Mr Cottrell-Boyce and others deserves support. The inspiration for the Gruffalo came from a Chinese folk tale. If all goes to plan, his further adventures will be a exuberant reminder of the age-old power of storytelling.
The Guardian
26-03-2025
- Business
- The Guardian
UK publishing less accessible to Black authors now than before 2020, industry names say
UK publishing is less accessible to Black authors now than it was five years ago, according to some of the biggest names in the industry. The Black Lives Matter movement of 2020 led to many publishing houses making commitments to address the longstanding racial inequality in the industry. But, ahead of the Black British book festival (BBBF) this weekend, a number of Black literary figures say there has been a noticeable downward shift in the number of Black writers being published. Selina Brown, who founded BBBF in 2021, said the number of Black authors being pitched to her has dropped dramatically in the last 18 months. She also believes the number of books being published by Black writers has 'plummeted'. 'Some publishers were saying 'we don't have anything to give you'. Publishers are now seeing diverse authors as a 'risk', so Black and brown authors aren't being taken on,' Brown said. Other prominent voices within the British publishing industry – where only about 3% of the workforce are Black, according to figures from the Publishers Association (PA) – noted a surge in interest in the aftermath of the murder of George Floyd, then a subsequent dip. Sharmaine Lovegrove, cultural strategist at Hachette UK, one of the country's leading publishing houses, co-founded The Black Writers' Guild and established Hachette's Dialogue imprint, which focuses on books by, about and for marginalised communities. She said things are harder for new Black authors now than they were pre-2020. 'We didn't think we couldn't go so far so quickly, and go back to where we started,' said Lovegrove. 'I think it's harder because people will say 'well, we tried'. When people say 'we tried' they're reluctant to do that again and that's heartbreaking.' Lovegrove said the industry hasn't been able to build new, diverse audiences and struggled to talk and cater to Black authors who were often labelled 'difficult' for advocating for themselves. She said: 'The biggest mistake was seeing it as a trend as opposed to an opportunity to cultivate something meaningful that was missing.' 'It's as if the industry is saying: 'It's all very difficult and these books haven't done very well so we're literally not going to try again with someone from the same background',' she added. 'It's the craziest thing I've ever heard.' A report by PA found that 'ethnic minority' representation across the industry fell from 17% to 15% in 2024, with a decline in the numbers of Asian and British Asian staff. The number of Black staff remained at about 3% during the same period. There have been success stories. After selling more than a million copies of Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People About Race, Reni Eddo-Lodge launched her Monument Books imprint at HarperCollins last year, with the specific goal of finding writers 'who can help us understand our past, navigate our present and map new futures'. Bristolian writer Moses McKenzie has won critical acclaim and awards. Other authors including Emma Dabiri, Yomi Adegoke, David Olusoga and Afua Hirsch have all had impressive sales figures and built international profiles. The Black British book festival has also been expanding: it runs a community library in London and plans to open another this year; it has collaborated with Glastonbury festival; it launched a children's book festival in Birmingham, which was headlined by Lenny Henry earlier this month, and has planned higher education courses. But Brown says the impetus of 2020 has faded and new Black authors have often seen their books marketed the same way as other authors despite publishers speaking of wanting to 'reach new audiences'. Sign up to Bookmarks Discover new books and learn more about your favourite authors with our expert reviews, interviews and news stories. Literary delights delivered direct to you after newsletter promotion 'Marketing teams within publishing follow a process: they target white consumers,' she said. 'They put all the books on a conveyor belt and it's the same every time. It can't work. You cannot have a one size fits all approach to every book.' Lemara Lindsay-Prince, who was in charge at Stormzy's Penguin Random House imprint #Merky Books before she left to set up her own literary studio for authors, said that convincing stakeholders across a publishing division's sales and marketing teams was at times very challenging. She said: 'People always think it's this editor, author, agent matrix that prohibits global majority voices getting published and that's not always the case: it's sales, marketing, publicity, international sales, and rights. It isn't inclusive enough and because of that many people don't see the value in a global majority voice.' 'When people tell me they want to be an editor, I say don't – go work in sales,' she added. 'That's where the critical part of the conversation is happening. Editorial can have the vision but if the people who hold the purse strings don't value Black and brown voices then you're in trouble.' Agencies such as Dark Matter, which focuses on linking publishers and authors with Black audiences, have had success recently but analysis by the Bookseller in 2023 found that the boom in Black authors being published after 2020 'failed to result in the promised broadening of publishing's output'. Brown said she established BBBF because there was an obvious gap in the market for a festival that catered to Black readers. Her instinct has been proven correct with successful events in Manchester, her home town of Birmingham and a sell-out last year at the Barbican in London where R&B star Eve headlined. This year's festival takes place at Manchester Central Library on 29 March. Its lineup, which features Kehinde Andrews, Kit de Waal, Jeffrey Boakye and DJ Paulette, is expected to bring in more than 2,500 people. Brown says the industry needs to change how it measures success for diverse authors. 'The fact that an author is sat on a panel in some conference and their influence is having an impact on people – that's important,' she said. 'Yes, the bottom line is financial but we need to have different benchmarks.'
Gulf Today
09-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
‘Heritage Nights' celebrate cultural legacy in Ramadan
In a Ramadan evening infused with the essence of heritage, Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage (SIH), inaugurated the 'Heritage Nights' event at Al Soor Square, in the Heart of Sharjah. The event brought together the glow of traditional lanterns and the rhythmic melodies of folklore, creating a scene that beautifully reflects the UAE's deep-rooted cultural identity. This initiative is part of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage's ongoing efforts to preserve intangible cultural heritage and raise public awareness of its significance. Running until March 23, Heritage Nights offers a rich cultural experience, bringing together traditional arts, handicrafts, heritage cuisine, and theatrical performances that depict the essence of Emirati life during Ramadan nights. Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallam emphasised that 'Heritage Nights' embodies the vision of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, in preserving cultural heritage and reinforcing its presence in the collective memory of society. He noted that this event reflects Sharjah's unwavering commitment to safeguarding and passing down its cultural legacy in a way that blends authenticity with modernity. 'His Highness, the Ruler of Sharjah, has taught us that heritage is not merely a tale of the past, but a living identity that evolves with each generation. It is the bridge that connects us to our roots, shapes our present, and envisions our future. Through 'Heritage Nights,' we seek to reinforce this connection by reviving traditional customs and practices in a vibrant Ramadan atmosphere that celebrates both the past and the present,' Al Musallam stated. He added that the event serves as a dynamic space for interaction with heritage elements, where storytellers, artisans, artists, and researchers come together to narrate the UAE's story through the lens of history and authenticity. This gathering not only reinforces Sharjah's cultural identity but also enhances its position as a global hub for heritage and civilisation. The event offers an exciting lineup of activities that highlight the richness of cultural heritage. The Storytelling Village features performances by Abdulnasser Al Tamimi, alongside a puppet theatre, reviving the age-old tradition of oral storytelling that has long been an integral part of popular folklore. Meanwhile, the Children's Village provides an interactive and engaging space where young visitors can immerse themselves in heritage-based entertainment and educational activities. In an atmosphere brimming with nostalgia, the Traditional Games Corner invites visitors to experience games that were once a staple of daily life for Emirati ancestors. Meanwhile, the Ramadan Cooking Competitions bring together culinary enthusiasts to showcase their skills in a lively and competitive setting. The event also features a significant presence of the Publishers Association, allowing visitors to explore a range of cultural publications, alongside Bisat Al Kutub (The Booksellers' Market), where heritage enthusiasts can discover rare books and literature focusing on cultural history. As part of a complete Ramadan experience, the event recreates the cannon firing tradition in front of Al Hisn, reviving a cherished custom that marks the breaking of the fast. Meanwhile, the Heritage Cuisine Corner offers a variety of authentic Emirati dishes, reflecting the richness of the local culinary tradition. Adding to the excitement, a televised competition engages both attendees and viewers, while the theatre segment showcases a diverse range of local and Arab folkloric performances, celebrating the region's artistic and musical heritage. To ensure a well-rounded cultural experience, the event also features heritage-inspired sports competitions, fostering a spirit of healthy competition and physical activity among participants. Meanwhile, thematic discussion panels bring together leading researchers and experts to explore heritage-related topics and the challenges of preserving cultural identity. Additionally, live painting sessions add an artistic dimension to the event, where artists create stunning works inspired by Emirati culture, offering a contemporary interpretation of traditional heritage through visual arts.
The Independent
25-02-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Kate Bush and Annie Lennox have released a completely silent album – here's why
More than 1,000 musicians, including Kate Bush, Annie Lennox, and Damon Albarn, have united to release a silent album in protest against proposed changes to copyright law concerning artificial intelligence (AI). The musicians warn that the government's proposals to amend UK copyright law, making it easier for AI models to be trained on copyrighted material, would significantly harm the creative sector and potentially replace artists in the long run. The proposed changes would create a copyright exemption for AI training, allowing tech firms to use copyrighted material without a license, requiring creators to opt out to prevent their work from being used. Critics argue that this approach fails to compensate artists for AI's replication of their work, stifles creativity, and places an undue burden on artists through the opt-out scheme. To mark the closing of government consultation on the issue, the group of artists has released an album titled Is This What We Want? It features recordings of empty studios and performance spaces, symbolising what they believe would become the reality of the music business if the proposed changes are implemented. Billy Ocean, The Clash, Jamiroquai, Imogen Heap, and numerous composers, conductors, singers, and producers, including Oscar, Grammy, and Brit Award winners, have co-written the album. The track listing spells out the message: 'The British government must not legalise music theft to benefit AI companies.' All profits will be donated to the musicians' charity, Help Musicians. Ed Newton-Rex, the organiser of the album, said: 'The government's proposal would hand the life's work of the country's musicians to AI companies, for free, letting those companies exploit musicians' work to outcompete them. 'It is a plan that would not only be disastrous for musicians, but that is totally unnecessary. The UK can be leaders in AI without throwing our world-leading creative industries under the bus. 'This album shows that, however the government tries to justify it, musicians themselves are united in their thorough condemnation of this ill-thought-through plan.' In 2023, UK music contributed £7.6 billion to the UK economy, with exports of UK music reaching £4.6 billion. Over the weekend, Sir Elton John and Simon Cowell backed a campaign opposing the proposals, and Sir Paul McCartney has also spoken out against them. Although some AI firms have since started making deals to license content, many existing AI models have been trained using data from the public internet, including from news and other publishing websites, which has led to many from that sector also speaking out against the proposed changes to the law. Dan Conway, chief executive of the Publishers Association, the trade organisation representing book, journal and electronic publishers in the UK, said: 'The extraordinary strength of support shown in recent weeks for copyright and our world-class creative industries is something the Government ignores at its peril. 'When Booker, Grammy, Oscar and Nobel prize winners are united in calling on the Government for a fair hearing, we have to hope they listen. 'Publishing is a growth industry supporting tens of thousands of highly skilled jobs nationwide. 'We already contribute £11 billion to the UK economy and are central to creative industries' growth and UK research and development and are early adopters of AI technology to equip the readers and learners of the future. 'The message to government is clear: the great copyright heist cannot go unchallenged. Big Tech needs to pay for the creative and research content they hoover up to train AI, just as they pay for their electricity and other normal costs of running a legally compliant business. 'We urgently need transparency regulations to lift the lid on AI usage to ensure that the huge opportunities that AI can bring are realised in a way that incentivises growth across the whole economy and is safe and ethical for those who use it. 'The UK is a content superpower and its creative industries, educational institutions and academic research are the envy of the world. 'Establishing fair trading practices and encouraging partnership with, rather than subservience to, Big Tech is the way we lift all the boats and deliver for the UK.'
The Independent
25-02-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Kate Bush and Annie Lennox have released a completely silent album. Here's why
More than 1,000 musicians, including Kate Bush, Annie Lennox, and Damon Albarn, have united to release a silent album in protest against proposed changes to copyright law concerning artificial intelligence (AI). The musicians warn that the government's proposals to amend UK copyright law, making it easier for AI models to be trained on copyrighted material, would significantly harm the creative sector and potentially replace artists in the long run. The proposed changes would create a copyright exemption for AI training, allowing tech firms to use copyrighted material without a license, requiring creators to opt out to prevent their work from being used. Critics argue that this approach fails to compensate artists for AI's replication of their work, stifles creativity, and places an undue burden on artists through the opt-out scheme. To mark the closing of government consultation on the issue, the group of artists has released an album titled Is This What We Want? It features recordings of empty studios and performance spaces, symbolising what they believe would become the reality of the music business if the proposed changes are implemented. Billy Ocean, The Clash, Jamiroquai, Imogen Heap, and numerous composers, conductors, singers, and producers, including Oscar, Grammy, and Brit Award winners, have co-written the album. The track listing spells out the message: 'The British government must not legalise music theft to benefit AI companies.' All profits will be donated to the musicians' charity, Help Musicians. Ed Newton-Rex, the organiser of the album, said: 'The government's proposal would hand the life's work of the country's musicians to AI companies, for free, letting those companies exploit musicians' work to outcompete them. 'It is a plan that would not only be disastrous for musicians, but that is totally unnecessary. The UK can be leaders in AI without throwing our world-leading creative industries under the bus. 'This album shows that, however the government tries to justify it, musicians themselves are united in their thorough condemnation of this ill-thought-through plan.' In 2023, UK music contributed £7.6 billion to the UK economy, with exports of UK music reaching £4.6 billion. Over the weekend, Sir Elton John and Simon Cowell backed a campaign opposing the proposals, and Sir Paul McCartney has also spoken out against them. Although some AI firms have since started making deals to license content, many existing AI models have been trained using data from the public internet, including from news and other publishing websites, which has led to many from that sector also speaking out against the proposed changes to the law. Dan Conway, chief executive of the Publishers Association, the trade organisation representing book, journal and electronic publishers in the UK, said: 'The extraordinary strength of support shown in recent weeks for copyright and our world-class creative industries is something the Government ignores at its peril. 'When Booker, Grammy, Oscar and Nobel prize winners are united in calling on the Government for a fair hearing, we have to hope they listen. 'Publishing is a growth industry supporting tens of thousands of highly skilled jobs nationwide. 'We already contribute £11 billion to the UK economy and are central to creative industries' growth and UK research and development and are early adopters of AI technology to equip the readers and learners of the future. 'The message to government is clear: the great copyright heist cannot go unchallenged. Big Tech needs to pay for the creative and research content they hoover up to train AI, just as they pay for their electricity and other normal costs of running a legally compliant business. 'We urgently need transparency regulations to lift the lid on AI usage to ensure that the huge opportunities that AI can bring are realised in a way that incentivises growth across the whole economy and is safe and ethical for those who use it. 'The UK is a content superpower and its creative industries, educational institutions and academic research are the envy of the world. 'Establishing fair trading practices and encouraging partnership with, rather than subservience to, Big Tech is the way we lift all the boats and deliver for the UK.'
