Last week, when young-adult and children’s author Craig Silvey pleaded guilty to charges of possessing and distributing child exploitation material, many long-time fans took to social media to express feelings of betrayal and anger – some vowing never to engage with his books ever again.
Aside from widespread feelings of hurt – especially among parents and educators – Silvey’s story has cast a shadow over the Australian KidsLit community who find themselves grappling with its potential impacts on their own careers.
ArtsHub's Arts Feature Writer Jo Pickup is based in Perth. An arts writer and manager, she has worked as a journalist and broadcaster for media such as the ABC, RTRFM and The West Australian newspaper, contributing media content and commentary on art, culture and design. She has also worked for arts organisations such as Fremantle Arts Centre, STRUT dance, and the Aboriginal Arts Centre Hub of WA, as well as being a sessional arts lecturer at The Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA).
