The Center for Art, New Ventures, and Sustainable Development (CANVAS) has once again received a nomination for the prestigious Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award (ALMA), a global award given annually to a person or organization for their outstanding contribution to children’s and young adult literature.
CANVAS was selected by The Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators (SCBWI), the nominating body for the Philippines. As a “Promoter of Reading” candidate, CANVAS joins a total of 277 nominees ranging from authors, illustrators, and organizations across 80 countries and regions.
Writer and former chairperson of the National Book Development Board (NBDB) Neni Sta. Romana Cruz wrote, “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!”
CANVAS donates its award-winning books to public schools, libraries, and disadvantaged communities across the Philippines through the One Million Books for One Million Filipino Children program. Often, these books are the first children call their own. With a book to call their own, CANVAS hopes to inspire children to love reading and become independent readers.
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.
Astrid Lindgren was prominent in the development of children’s literature as an art form. The Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award is awarded to those who continue to work in her spirit: with imagination, bravery, respect and empathy, and maintaining the highest level of artistic excellence. The attention of the award leads to more translations and to more children having access to high-quality literature—entertaining, innovative, challenging, or complex.
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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.
