AFCC 2024 Call For Papers
Update:
The Call for Papers has closed. Applicants will be notified of their proposal status in November.
Theme - Curiosity
The Asian Festival of Children’s Content takes on the theme of “Curiosity” in its 15th edition.
Curiosity drives exploration, innovation and the imagination. It can open up possibilities, expand one's worldview and spur children to embark on a path of discovery.
How can we nurture a child's curiosity through books and encourage them to explore the world around them? How can modern technologies be harnessed to cultivate children's curiosity and engagement in reading? In what ways can cultural diversity be shown in stories and works from Southeast Asia and Asia, that can shape children's curiosity and develop a sense of the self?
Click on the links below to jump to the respective sections:
- PROGRAMME TRACKS
- PROGRAMME FORMAT
- AREAS OF FOCUS
- OTHER SUGGESTED TOPICS
- SUBMISSION
- REVIEW AND SELECTION
- FOR SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS
- ENQUIRIES
We invite you to submit a proposal for consideration to be presented at AFCC 2024. AFCC’s programmes are categorised into three main programming tracks. You can choose any of the tracks for your proposal. The three tracks are:
- WRITERS AND ILLUSTRATORS
This track focuses on the creation and development of literary content; translation of different language books; market trends; and industry practices in the children's book industry. The topics would highlight literature and works from Southeast Asia and Asia for children and young adults.
- TEACHERS AND PARENTS
This track focuses on cultivating the love for reading, as well as supporting language and literacy development in children from early childhood to teenagers. The topics would highlight strategies for encouraging children to read, utilisation of literary resources in the learning environment and acquisition of language and literacy skills.
- CROSS-PLATFORM
This track focuses on transmedia storytelling, adaption of content across platforms, edu-tech and the use of technology in content creation. The topics could explore current technological trends (such as AR/VR or A.I.), digital storytelling and gamification.
Programme Format
We welcome presentations, panel discussions, and in particular workshops that will actively engage the participants. The festival will be mainly in-person. However, we are open to virtual formats if the proposal suits our requirements.
The available programme formats are:
i) A presentation or panel (1-hour duration, inclusive of Q&A with audience)
ii) A workshop (1.5 – 2-hour duration, inclusive of Q&A with audience)
We are especially looking for proposals that tackle our areas of focus (see below), as well as programmes conducted in Chinese, Malay or Tamil.
Each applicant may submit up to a maximum of two (2) programme proposals as part of their submission.
CALL FOR PAPERS
Preference will be given to proposals that discuss the following topics below. We are also interested in proposals for programmes conducted in Chinese, Malay or Tamil.
Proposals should address how literature, books or stories for children and/or young adults are utilised, or play a role in the discourse of the focus area topics, preferably in relation to the festival theme.
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Books and literature that highlights any of the 17 United Nations SDGs, with the effect to educate and empower young readers.
- Southeast Asian (SEA) and Asian Writing
Stories and books that portray the Southeast Asian and Asian experience, delving into the diverse cultures, histories, perspectives, communities and issues.
- Webtoons
Programmes that give an insight into the industry of webtoons/webcomics - analysing common popular tropes used in works and highlighting upcoming creators to note. Analysis of audience reading trends, marketing strategies and oppotunities of multi-platform adaptation.
- Translation
Translation-related programmes will be presented as part of the AFCC Translation Forum. Possible programmes could look at the craft and process of translation; how translators tackle linguistic and cultural issues; and showcase translated works from Southeast Asia and Asia, particularly translations across the different Asian languages.
In addition to the above, participants are also welcome to submit proposals that touch on the topics below.
i) Topics related to content creation:
- Comics/graphic novels (exploring adaptations of long form novels into comics/graphic novel formats, the role of visual storytelling and how it can be used to encourage reading)
- Eco fiction (in what ways has eco fiction empowered readers and how it encourages children’s interest in the environment)
- Poetry (exploration of different poetic forms; how can we encourage the creation of works that promote curiosity)
- Illustrations in children’s books (how can they ignite curiosity and imagination in their readers)
ii) Topics related to pedagogical approaches:
- Building curious communities (how can schools, families and communities collaborate to encourage curiosity in children, foster a community of readers and encourage a lifelong love for learning through exploration)
- Cultivating readers (how can we encourage reluctant readers; how can we balance digital reading (and screentime) with traditional reading while ensuring that curiosity remains a driving force)
- Developing Mother Tongue literacy (what are the innovative methods/techniques to stimulate curiosity and make learning MTL (Chinese, Malay, Tamil) an active and enjoyable experience)
- Mindfulness (how do books inform and promote the practice of mindfulness for children; how can they help children develop resilience and adaptability)
- STEAM (how has STEAM books been used in classrooms to nurture curiosity of students and create a curiosity-led teaching environment)
iii) Topics related to technology:
- Assistive Technology (how can assistive technology be leveraged to stimulate curiosity for those with diverse learning abilities)
- Cross-media collaborations (what are the new opportunities or multi-platform collaborations that use curiosity to create a cohesive and enriching learning experience for children)
- Use of AR/VR and A.I. (how can modern technologies stimulate curiosity and provide immersive learning experiences through children’s books)
- Technology-led reading (how can technology be used to enrich reading and create unique and engaging experiences for children)
Check out the previous AFCCs here to view past presentations/sessions.
To submit, please complete the AFCC 2024 Call for Paper online submission form by 15 October 2023 (23:59, GMT+8).
The online submission form can be accessed here.
The organisers reserve the right to reject any applicants who do not comply with the submission guidelines or have incomplete submission.
All submissions will be assessed by their respective programming track committee. The committee will select the papers based on their assessment of the proposal content and its relevance to the festival.
Successful applicants will be notified of their application status in November. They will receive a complimentary full Festival pass, which includes admission to conference sessions during the event.
Please note that applicants selected through the Call for Papers will not receive a speaker’s honorarium. Travel and accommodation for overseas applicants will not be covered by AFCC.
Successful applicants will be asked to submit a draft of their full presentation, including the talking points and PowerPoint presentation file at least one (1) month prior to the start of AFCC. Applicants are encouraged to include interactive elements in their presentation, and to prepare handouts for attendees.
Please note that the organisers may use applicants’ paper in parts or in full for marketing and publicity purposes for AFCC, either in printed or online versions.
ENQUIRIES
For enquiries, please contact us at programmes@bookcouncil.sg.