First Nations Classics series behind the new-look Australian stand
After unveiling a new-look stand at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, featuring the work of Scribble illustrator Allison Colpoys, the Australian Publishers Association (APA) is set to launch a new-look stand at Frankfurt too.
The new stand was designed using artwork by Jenna Lee from the First Nations Classics series, published by University of Queensland Press (UQP). Lee is a Gulumerridjin (Larrakia), Wardaman and KarraJarri woman with Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, Irish and Scottish ancestry. Australian freelance book designer George Saad – winner of the 2022 Australian Book Designers Association Emerging Designer Award – consulted with Lee to adapt the designs for the three-dimensional Australian Collective Stand in the heart of the Frankfurt Halls.
UQP rights and contracts manager Erin Sandiford, who will attend the fair, said the new stand illustrations “draw on the striking visual language” of UQP’s First Nations Classics series designed by Lee. “The design for the First Nations Classics series is intended to highlight and showcase the vibrancy, diversity and nuance of First Nations authors, their voices, and the important stories they share,” said Sandiford.
“The First Nations Classics series honours some of the most culturally significant works by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander writers. As our publisher Aviva Tuffield said at the launch of the series, it recognises the cultural and literary significance of many books by First Nations writers across the decades and helps ensure these important works reach the contemporary audience they deserve.”
APA programs and partnerships manager Melissa Crino said the updated stand design “puts Australian literature and creativity front and centre for an international audience”.
“The colour palette draws directly from the Australian landscape – the red dirt of the desert, eucalyptus green, and deep ocean blue – paired with artwork that showcases both the natural beauty of the landscape and the talent of emerging Australian artists.”
Come see the stand for yourself, and join the Australian Collective Stand party, to be held on Thursday 8 October, from 5:30 pm at Hall 4.2, J66.
Category: Think Australian feature
