Literary and visual arts snippets from Creative New Zealand. New Zealand publishing promoted at London Book Fair Representatives from Booksellers New Zealand and a number of local publishers are heading to the 2002 London Book Fair, for the second year running to promote New Zealand publishing. Linda Henderson, Booksellers New Zealand’s new Chief Executive, suggests feedback from publishers attending the 2001 London Book Fair was very positive. ‘Several are returning this year to build on their experience,’ she commented. The main aims of the publishers travelling to London are to develop international publisher and distributor contacts, showcase a range of top-quality titles with overseas sales potential, and promote New Zealand publishing to the international market. Waikato National Art Award Auckland-based artist Lisa Crowley has won the $10,000 Art Waikato National Art Award for her photograph, The Passenger. The work is one in a series of photographs, which were the result of a Creative New Zealand grant. Judge Allan Smith, senior curator of the Auckland Art Gallery, extolled the image of the scaling crystalline rock face and milky green water, which was selected from more than 200 works. The curator praised the overall high standard of entries saying, ‘I feel a great sense of excitement for the new artists whose work I have never seen before.’ Children to meet literary heroes The 2002 New Zealand Post Children’s Book Festival, is planning a series of events intended to bring alive books for teenagers, children and their families. A historically popular event for children, the festival gives children the chance to meet their writing heroes in the flesh. With nine New Zealand writers this year touring the country. These writers, all shortlisted in the 2002 New Zealand Post Children’s Book Awards, will be talking to children in schools and libraries, and will also join in local activities and events. Further information regarding Creative New Zealand is available on online at: www.creativenz.govt.nz