Austrian children’s author Heinz Janisch to headline Arts Council Korea event

A poster promoting “A Conversation with Author Heinz Janisch,” an event organized by Arts Council Korea / Courtesy of Arts Council Korea

The Arts Council Korea (ARKO) will present “A Conversation with the Author” featuring Austrian children’s author Heinz Janisch, the winner of the 2024 Hans Christian Andersen Award, as part of its 2026 Literature Residency Support Program.

Janisch, a leading figure in Austrian children’s literature, is known for his poetic and philosophical style that resonates with both young readers and adults.

His accolades include the Hans Christian Andersen Award and the Christine Nostlinger Prize in 2024, the German Academy for Children’s and Young Adult Literature Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020, and the BolognaRagazzi Award in 2006. His most recent publication in Korean, The Last Gift of Andersen (2026), explores the life and literary legacy of Hans Christian Andersen.

During his approximately one-month stay in Korea, Janisch will continue his writing on Nami Island and in Seoul. He is also scheduled to participate in meetings and discussions with Korean children’s authors. While in residence, he plans to explore traditional Korean folktales as inspiration for new creative work.

Two public programs will be held at the Artist House Korea in Seoul.

Children in third and fourth grade interested in writing can attend an interactive workshop led by children’s author, critic and translator Kim Seo-jung on April 19. The session will introduce Janisch’s creative process, guiding participants to capture meaningful moments from daily life and turn them into short stories.

A discussion program for Korean children’s literature professionals will take place on April 21, moderated by critic Kim Ji-eun. The event will explore Janisch’s literary world and creative philosophy, and the role of children’s literature in addressing deepening social conflicts.

The invitation is part of ARKO’s Literature Residency Support Program, which is funded by private sponsors including Nami Island, Hyup Sung Renaissance and Seoul Prince Hotel. The program supports approximately 30 Korean writers each year by providing creative spaces. Nami Island, an official sponsor of the Hans Christian Andersen Award, has maintained its support since 2009.

ARKO said the program aims to introduce global trends in children’s literature to Korean audiences and expand international literary exchanges. Further details are available on the ARKO website (https://www.arko.or.kr).

This article was published with the assistance of generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.