Dubai, 26 May 2015: The Cultural Office (TCO) of Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum presents 'ComiQ' - a specialised workshop for artists interested in creating visual stories. The first ComiQ workshop is scheduled to run from 1 - 3 June, 2015 (4-8pm) at the A4 Space in Al Serkal Avenue.

Commenting on the occasion, Mona Bin Kalli, Director of The Cultural Office said, "Our mission from this workshop reflects our ongoing commitment to introducing new art forms into the UAEs vibrant and growing art scene, in a effort to help discover new talents in the community; which is an important vision of The Cultural Office. ComiQ brings together some of the most respected comic artists in the UAE to not only introduce the creative side of comic art but also share invaluable insights into the business of making comics. It is the perfect entry level intensive for anyone interested in working in comics."

Four locally-based artists Asma Al Romaithi, Aysha Saif Al Hamrani, Khadija Al Saeedi and Shihab Aldeen will be on hand to teach techniques and give tips to aspiring and amateur artists in comic art, graphic novels and visual storytelling. Heralding prestigious comic careers - Asma Al Romaithi is the first place winner at the Abu Dhabi ARTHUB Japanese art contest and regular participant at art conventions such as Middle East Film and Comic Con 2013 , Offtopic Japanese Carnival 2013 and IGN Convention 2013 in Dubai - students will benefit from their extensive experience and expertise to develop their own comic series from scratch. Aysha Saif Al Hamrani is the creator 'Mnawrah' Emirati comic series; Khadija Al Saeedi is also an animation studio artist in Cartoon Network Studios Arabia; and Shihab Aldeen is an Digital illustration studio artist in Cartoon Network Arabia.

ComiQ will cover key components of producing your own comics. Through lectures, exercises, and group projects, students will learn about story structure, page composition, character design, environmental drawing, and production. The workshop will culminate with each participant developing an original graphic novel which will be showcased as part of a ComiQ Group Exhibition.

Moreover, multiple comic-book artists will be on hand to assist and share differing viewpoints. All drawing materials will be provided to participants. The ComiQ Workshop by The Cultural Office is open free-of-charge to artists between the ages of 18 to 25 years who are serious about further developing their comic skills. Interested participants may reserve their seat by emailing info@theculturaloffice.ae.