Thanks to a collaboration between Manchester Literature Festival and our project Media Cubs, three of our ‘mini reporters’ enjoyed a takeover day at Z-arts theatre in Hulme to create video content of events taking place and an interview with the CEO!

The theatre has been hosting a series of exciting workshops with illustrator Aaron Blecha as part of the festival, and has been treating visitors to alife-sized trail of his well-loved monster, alien and zombie characters.

Reporters Mauricio, Annabel and Loren were invited along and got stuck in with designing and drawing thanks to Aaron’s specialist tutorials and a unique sneak peek into his work process.

Whilst there was so much fun to be had, they still put on their reporting hats, interviewing Aaron and other children at the workshop to bring you this special video all about their day.

Mauricio even grabbed an exclusive chat in the brand-new Z-arts Children’s Library with their Chief Executive, Liz O’Neill.

The library has been co-created with local children and is part of the Manchester Library Network which runs across the city, working with pre-existing Manchester library cards.

Kirsty Day, Media Director for Yellow Jigsaw and project leader for Media Cubs, said: “The reporters really took on the challenge of creating both amazing artwork and an amazing video that will hopefully inspire others to get creative and show the impact of the workshops put on thanks to Manchester Literature Festival.

“Aaron’s work was inspiring and we are sure that every young person who attended took something away with them. We may have an army of mini illustrators taking over Greater Manchester soon!

“Big thank you to Manchester Literature Festival and Z-arts for partnering with us and understanding the importance of allowing young people to shine through taking part in interviews like this and being asked their opinions. It is amazing to see them in action and grow in confidence.”

To invite Media Cubs reporters along to your special event or workshop, contact us at team@mediacubs.co.uk

Learn more about Media Cubs partnership work here.