Sharjah24: As the anticipation builds for the 15th annual Sharjah Children's Reading Festival (SCRF) set to take place from May 1 to May 12 at Expo Centre Sharjah, young minds are poised to embark on an exhilarating journey of creativity and discovery.

A key highlight of the festival's vibrant content and programming is the popular Comics Corner, and this year, the pulsating hub brims with over 132 activities tailored to ignite the spark of creativity in children and youth, while also sharpening their business acumen in a fiercely competitive industry. Here, attendees will learn from immersive workshops and discussions led by esteemed artists and industry pioneers from across the globe.

Workshops, gaming corner, artists alley and more…

Picture yourself stepping into the captivating world of 3D Modeling and Animation, where Maya and Blender serve as portals to realms of digital creation. Sculpting, texturing, and animating come together to breathe life into mesmerising 3D models, setting imaginations ablaze with endless possibilities.

Across the hall, budding storytellers find solace in the distinctive arts of Content Creation & Character Creation. Here, blank canvases transform into realms where superheroes are born, each imbued with unique powers, personalities, and visual identities. From sketch to storyboard, and fast-paced narratives to bring their images to life, attendees craft narratives that leap off the page and into the hearts of audiences. Another holistic workshop on Comic Creating will allow emerging artists to fully delve into the art of storytelling. 

The Comics Pop-Art workshop comes alive with vibrant hues and dynamic brushstrokes. Delve into Pop-Art history, mastering techniques to infuse its essence into the fabric of comic creation. From Roy Lichtenstein to contemporary interpretations, each stroke of the brush pays homage to the iconic movement.

Across the hall, the Cosplay Helmets workshop beckons adventurers to step into the shoes of their favourite characters. Armed with cardboard and imagination, attendees sculpt, shape, and customise intricate headgear, bringing beloved icons to life in a celebration of creativity and craftsmanship.

Two unique workshops, Book Page Framed Art and Comics Lanterns, will open the window to limitless artistic possibilities, while Comics Business will serve as a vital introductory lesson on becoming a successful comic book entrepreneur. 

Panel programme to host leading industry voices

A symphony of voices will take centre stage at the panel programme at SCRF Comics Corner. Join Salah Cartoonz, whose unique art style has graced events throughout the Middle East, and Abdulaziz Ibrahim, an indie comic book writer whose tales of heroism have captivated audiences near and far. And Khaled Aljabri, whose Instagram followings have sparked global conversations.

Carrying the theme ‘Once Upon a Hero’, SCRF 2024’s Comics Corner promises to offer a wondrous journey, where every page turned is a step closer to unlocking the hero within.

For more information, visit https://www.scrf.ae/ar/home.