CANVAS receives re-nomination for the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award

18 May 2026—The Center for Art, New Ventures and Sustainable Development has been nominated for the 2027 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award (ALMA). The organization was selected by The Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators (SCBWI), the nominating body for the Philippines.

In 2025, CANVAS was one of two nominees from the Philippines, representing the nation alongside children’s book writer Luis Gatmaitan. There were 265 candidates from 72 countries and regions that year.

Neni Sta. Romana Cruz writes, "The Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators—Philippines is proud to announce that it has re-nominated CANVAS (Center for Art, New Ventures & Sustainable Development) under the helm of founder Gigo Alampay for Sweden’s Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award 2027, recognizing CANVAS as an organization promoting literacy. The award is considered the Nobel for children’s literature. SCBWI-Philippines wants the world to take notice!"

Established in 2002, the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award annually recognizes persons or organizations all over the world for their contribution to children’s literature.

CANVAS’ mission to promote children’s literacy is centered on a unique model of collaboration between Filipino artists and writers that has reimagined book publishing in the Philippines and enabled them to give their picture books to more than 500,000 disadvantaged Filipino children to date. CANVAS books also explore themes such as human rights, inclusivity, internet safety, and dealing with online misinformation, among others. They are helping to foster a generation of empathetic and socially-conscious citizens who are prepared to make our world a better place.

A non-profit that works with the creative community to promote literacy and explore national identity, CANVAS publishes its award-winning children's stories and donates their books to benefit children in public schools and poor communities throughout the Philippines. Its One Million Books for One Million Filipino Children Campaign promotes independent reading and creative thinking in Filipino children, while also exposing them to the best of contemporary Filipino art and literature.