ProVisi, in collaboration with Room to Read, is currently supporting editors and art directors from partner publishers in Indonesia in developing children’s storybooks across various genres, formats, and themes. To strengthen the roles of these book creators, Room to Read and ProVisi facilitated the Art Director Module Development Workshop from October 31 to November 5.
Art directors and editors from Bestari, Bhuana Ilmu Populer (BIP), Literaloka, Noura, Yayasan Litara, and the Pusat Perbukuan of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology attended the series of workshops led by Room to Read facilitators Mahesh Pathiratna and Michelle Agatha.
One of the key highlights of this workshop was the critical role of art directors, starting as early as the manuscript editing process—long before the illustration development stage.
Namira, an editor from BIP who has been involved in creating children’s storybooks with Room to Read since this mid-year, shared that art directors play a significant role in maximizing a manuscript’s potential, identifying illustrators that match the needs of the manuscript and publisher, and shaping unique character designs.
The involvement of local publishers and book creators in this program aligns with Room to Read’s advocacy for a robust book publishing ecosystem in Indonesia. This includes promoting the importance of diverse, high-quality books that serve as both “mirrors” and “windows” for children. Books as “mirrors” allow children to see their own backgrounds reflected in the stories they read, while books as “windows” provide glimpses into cultures different from their own.
The books produced through this program will be printed and distributed to Room to Read partner schools in Indonesia and other institutions in need.
The availability of a wider range of quality books in school libraries and reading spaces is expected to make it easier for children to access books they enjoy and want to read. In doing so, children can further develop their love for books and reading activities.
