Published
By Ashley Cox
As we continue our charity’s commitment to Giving Back to young learners, CPC is pleased to be facilitating no fewer than 25 free places for students to be part of a very special manga workshop this summer, at the GL1 Leisure Centre, Gloucester.
The opportunity forms part of the brand-new Comics Assemble! convention on Saturday 15th August 2026, which is all set to welcome a number of renowned artists and comic writers, together with devoted fans of the artform (plus 100 exhibitor tables!).
For those unfamiliar... 'manga' itself is a word used to describe and distinguish Japanese comic book art and media and, having grown in global renown during the late-20th century, this style would even go on to surpass American artwork in its popularity.
Now, with the support of Crescent Purchasing Consortium's Giving Back fund, *25* aspiring mangaka can try their hand at the art form, learning basics of both character creation and storytelling, with the help of a real, professional Japanese manga artist!
Delivering the three-hour workshop session will be accomplished artist and illustrator, Chie Kutsuwada, who has produced work for the BBC, Channel 4, CNN and Japanese embassies, as well as providing a regular and full-colour illustrated column series for Mainichi Weekly; an adjacent title to Mainichi Shimbum, Japan's oldest daily newspaper.
A guest of the Hay Festival and Dublin's International Literature Festival, Chie has previously overseen manga workshops for the British Council, British Museum and Victoria and Albert (V&A) Museum, while graphic novel enthusiasts might recognise Chie's artwork from the Carnegie Medal-shortlisted Tsunami Girl and companion piece 100 Tales from the Tokyo Ghost Café.
The CPC-backed Making Manga with Chie Kutsuwada workshop at Comics Assemble! is chiefly aimed at the Year 8-10 age groups, with all necessary art equipment provided. To secure your place, visit comicsassemble.net/tickets and use the code 2026-MANGA when acquiring a ticket to the wider convention, which runs from 10am-5pm. Tickets are £10 each, with free entry for adult-accompanied children, aged 13 and under. For extra information, please visit the official convention website.
The host venue of Comics Assemble!, the GL1 Leisure Centre can be found in the heart of Gloucester, just a short walk from the city's mainline rail station. An established leisure and events location, with on-site spa and cafe facilities, the GL1 has previously been home to SuperClash, where manga cartoon-themed puroresu hero Jushin 'Thunder' Liger was among the star attractions.
Joining the line-up for Comics Assemble! will be Resident Alien co-creator Peter Hogan (2000 AD, Revolver, Dark Horse Comics), Canadian artist/writer Jim Zub (Disney, Capcom, Conan the Barbarian), cover artist Sabine Rich (Marvel, Zenescope, DC Comics' Batman), Jesus Merino (Superman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern) and Lew Stringer (Beano, Marvel), with additional event guests to be announced shortly.
CPC's flagship Giving Back initiative was launched in 2019 and has since allocated over £2m in organisation surplus funding to education sector purchases, projects and events. In 2026, the scheme's focuses have been on supporting SEND learners, enhancing physical and mental wellbeing and tackling the causes of absenteeism in education. As well as inviting funding applications from eligible CPC member institutions, Giving Back has been the basis of our CPC Inclusion Cup partnership with the Manchester United Foundation, plus CIPS professional bursary support and other difference-making endeavours.
