Art isn’t just about expression—it’s a lifeline, a platform, a weapon against invisibility. And right now, young creators in the UK are stepping up to reclaim that power. Comics Youth CIC (a community interest group championing creativity, well-being, and social change through comics) has just unveiled a groundbreaking initiative: the Young Comics Laureate—an official, paid, youth-led position designed to elevate the voices of young comic creators aged 18–30 across the UK.comicartfestival.com
This role isn’t just symbolic, a statement: Young people belong at the table and their stories matter.
What Exactly Is the Young Comics Laureate?
Think of it like a Youth Poet Laureate—but for comics. Selected by young people themselves (with a public vote) and supported by national creators and institutions, the Young Comics Laureate will spend a year:
- Hosting workshops and events.
- Mentoring emerging creators.
- Leading national conversations on mental health, identity, social justice, and more.
- Partnering with the established UK Comics Laureate to merge youthful energy with industry experience.comicartfestival.com
Additionally, this position comes with £8,000 in funding, professional training, event support, travel budget, mentorship, and industry exposure—paid, not volunteer-only. That’s real investment in real young talent.Comics Youth CICcomicartfestival.com
Why Now? Why Young Comics Laureate? Why Youth?
Comics are powerful. They’re accessible, visual, and deeply expressive—especially for young people navigating life’s highs and lows. Comics speak breaks, identity crises, social pressures, quiet joys. Furthermore, they resonate where words alone don’t. comicartfestival.com
And right now, comics are booming. Children’s graphic novel sales in the UK hit nearly £20 million, thus proving that stories with pictures are portals to reading, and gateways to empathetic worlds.The Guardian
But until now, the role of the UK Comics Laureate—held by pros like Bobby Joseph—has been focused on established creators. That therefore means many of the young, underrepresented creatives had no seat, no mic, no stage. The Young Comics Laureate however changes that.The Guardiancomicartfestival.com
The Impact of Young Comics Laureate: What This Actually Means for Young Creators
- Representation with Power
Stories of youth—especially those from marginalised backgrounds—finally get to lead cultural conversations, not just feature in them. - Paid, Not Just Plastered
This isn’t about unpaid internships or volunteering for exposure. It’s legitimate work, with money, respect, and opportunity. That matters. - Access for All
The role bridges the gap between underrepresented voices and high-level platforms—festivals, industry events, national campaigns. - Redefining Publishing Culture
Youth-led initiatives like this signal that creative industries are slowly waking up to the need for inclusivity, authenticity, and transparency.
How Young People Are Already Leading Change
Comics Youth has already lit the path forward:
- It launched the Marginal Publishing House, the UK’s first youth-led publisher, focused on stories by marginalised creators under 25.comicbooknews.co.uk
- In 2024, their Changemakers Inclusion Charter called on mainstream publishers to commit to accessibility, diversity, and fair opportunity—for real. It wasn’t curated by corporate boards, but young creators themselves. comicbooknews.co.ukArt in Liverpool
This Young Comics Laureate role therefore builds on that—turning demand into structure, and passion into progress.
Why It Matters to You
- If you draw or write: This is a signal that your art isn’t just a hobby—it could thus shape public conversation.
- By supporting youth: It shows that investing in young artists isn’t charity—it’s the future of culture.
- If you care about inclusion: This is a real step forward in dismantling the old publishing gatekeeper system.
Final Thought: A New Chapter Begins
Young people aren’t just the future of comics—they’re the heartbeat. This new Young Comics Laureate role thus puts that on blast.
It additionally invites creators to step forward, demand space, and tell stories that challenge, uplift, and reflect their world. No filters, no gatekeepers. Just realness.
So if you’re a young storyteller out there—pick up that pencil, send that submission and step forward-whether by applying yourself or nominating someone else. This is your moment. And it can build a movement.
Because when youth lead, culture follows.
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Zita Salum, a British, Tanzanian journalist with a London heart, is making waves in the world of media. Born and Raised in Hackney London, she discovered her passion for storytelling at a young age. Her journey began as an admin for the Inside Success magazine, but her talent quickly shone through. Zita's ability to craft compelling narratives and her knack for capturing the essence of a story led her to become an editor for the magazine.
From there, her career soared. Zita has contributed to a diverse range of publications, including the prestigious W magazine, showcasing her versatility as a writer. Her expertise spans across industries such as music, corporate, political, sports, arts, and fashion. Beyond her written work, Zita has also excelled in broadcast journalism. Her natural ability to connect with interviewees and her engaging hosting style have made her a sought-after talent in the industry.
In her free time, Zita is a dedicated networker, attending industry events and immersing herself in the latest trends. She is also passionate about investigative journalism and has produced creative documentaries that shed light on important issues. With her talent, drive, and unwavering commitment to her craft, Zita Salum is undoubtedly a rising star in the world of journalism.
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