About
The Akuba Arise Publishing Project is a children’s literature, storytelling and heritage initiative led by writer, storyteller, educator and creative practiser, Grace Quansah, also known as Akuba. Akuba Arise Publishing seeks to professionally publish and promote four illustrated children’s books rooted in imagination, cultural identity, storytelling and British Black Heritage. The Project builds on several decades of experience in literary, educational heritage and work through WAPPY (Writing, Acting & Publishing Project for Youngsters)
Product and Services
Akuba Arise Publishing has grown out of both personal experience and longstanding community cultural work. A major inspiration for this work has been the legacy of Eric and Jessica Huntley, pioneering founders of Bogle L’Ouverture Publications. Akuba Arise Publishing is a continuation of a Black British Literary Tradition rooted in resilience, education, memory, self-representation and community empowerment. In this phase, Akuba Arise Publishing will publish “Wild Animals Everywhere!”, “Coconut”, “Treasured Trunk”, “The House with the Plaque, Honouring Eric and Jessica Huntley”
Alongside publication, Akuba Arise will organise storytelling and literacy engagement activity in partnership with schools, libraries and community groups.
Market
Primarily aimed at young people in Ealing and surrounding boroughs.The Project aims to impact ….
Marketing and Publicity
Promotion will include collaboration with organisations such as PARC, Lasting Support Services, FHALMA, Artification, Hillingdon Literary Festival, Brunel University London, London Metropolitan Archives, schools, libraries and community organisations.
With the funding, the Akuba Arise Publishing will purchase modest publicity and audience development through social media, school engagement, press outreach, community promotion and launch events including book signing.
Competition
Akuba Arise Publishing is unique as it is the combination of Aruba’s experience and vision combining children’s literature, storytelling, literacy and heritage engagement to produce culturally relevant and representative creative resources
SWOT Analysis
Strengths Challenges Opportunities for growth or impact External risks or threats
Reason For Applying_
Funding is required to publish 600 copies of 4 different books to be promoted in Ealing and surrounding boroughs Community engagement such as workshops and creative sessions will involve young people and promote the books.
Staff and Management
Grace Quansah aka as Akuba is the driving force behind this project. She will work with
Notes
Support for Akuba Arise Publishing will give young people an opportunity to read (literacy), use their imagination, write, act and introduce them to the world of publishing. Publication of these 4 culturally representative children’s books will celebrate Black British Heritage, preserve storytelling traditions and create accessible creative opportunities for future generations.
