Young Comics Laureate 2025-26 Nominations open

Community organisation Comics Youth has launched the UK’s first Youth Comics Laureate. The role builds upon the existing UK Comics Laureate, currently held by Bobby Joseph and supported by the Lakes International Comics Festival (LICAF).

Comics have always been a powerful storytelling tool, allowing creators to explore themes of mental health, identity, and social justice in ways that resonate with young people. However, despite their passion and talent, emerging creators often lack support and visibility in the industry. This new role seeks to address that gap, ensuring young voices are not only heard but also actively shape the future of comics.

While the current UK Comics Laureate plays a crucial role in advocating for comics literacy and creative expression, the position is currently held by established industry professionals. This limits the representation of young creators, whose unique perspectives and lived experiences are often overlooked in national discourse.

By introducing a Young Comics Laureate, Comics Youth aims to amplify the voices of young creators; foster leadership opportunities; create a bridge between young and professional creators; address critical issues facing young people—including mental health, identity, and social justice—through the powerful medium of comics.

To apply you must be:

• Aged 18-30 (you must be 18 years of age at the time of application and be under 31 years of age by 30th September 2026).
• Based in the UK
• A comics creator with a passion for progressive issues
• Able to represent young people in the comics industry
• Someone who represents youth creativity, activism and storytelling

You will be expected to:

• Act as a national advocate for young people in comics, using the medium to explore critical issues such as mental health, identity, and social justice.
• Lead workshops, talks, and community events to inspire young people to share their stories and express themselves creatively through comics.
• Provide mentorship and representation, acting as a bridge between young creators and the wider comics industry, fostering opportunities for emerging voices.
• Develop and produce comics-based resources, which can be distributed to schools, youth organisations, and libraries to promote creative engagement.
• Support and collaborate with the UK Comics Laureate, ensuring that young voices are integrated into wider industry conversations and initiatives.
• Commit to 22 days of work across the 12-month period to undertake the role and fulfil the commitments outlined above.

Fill out this Google Form to submit nomination.

Deadline: 13th August 2025, 5pm.