Form fosters literature focus

Cultural organisation FORM will launch its inaugural Scribblers Festival on May 9 to boost the profile of literature and arts for children.

The festival, to be held at Form’s The Goods Shed in Claremont, is headed by former Perth Writers Festival director Katherine Dorrington.

“Scribblers Festival feeds into the wider educational focus of Form’s creative learning program, with the ethos of contributing to more engaged, motivated, and skilled individuals and thereby healthier and more thriving communities,” Ms Dorrington said.

“We’re creating a festival that is accessible to many, a festival that places storytelling at the heart of cultural life and can demonstrate to children and families the value of art and literature.”

In partnership with the Town of Claremont, the festival will offer a three-day schools-focused program, followed by two days dedicated to family activities.

Festival manager Maria Alessandrino said a workshop series, hands-on activities and live art would also be offered, with Chris Riddell, Nicki Greenberg, AF Harrold and Jesse Andrews some of the authors, illustrators and creatives confirmed in the lineup.

Lotterywest and LandCorp are major partners supporting the event, which runs until May 13.