Vicki Willden-Lebrecht a Director of the AOI and Founder of the Bright Agency was honoured to be invited to make comment to parliament through the political journal, The Parliamentary Review, commissioned by Lord Pickles and Lord Blunkett.

Lord Pickles and Lord Blunkett state “The ability to listen and learn from one another has always been vital in parliament, in business and in most aspects of daily life. But at this particular moment in time, as national and global events continue to reiterate, it’s uncommonly crucial that we forge new channels of communication and reinforce existing ones.”

Selected individuals and the companies they run are invited to share and highlight the challenges their industry face, to give politicians and leaders in both the public and private sectors, a firm understanding of the challenges British organisations have to contend with.

It was a wonderful opportunity to share some of the hurdles the industry faces and for illustration to be acknowledged as part of the creative sector – usually reserved for industries such as film, digital media and photography.

To have the voice of illustrators recognised within a group of powerhouse companies such as Working Title, Blue Kangaroo and PinPoint Media, feels pivotal for positive changes.

It provided an opportunity to champion the rights of artists and highlight the exploitation of contributors in the illustration industry.

As well as representing creative talent Vicki Willden-Lebrecht is an AOI Director.  The AOI continually works to advance and protect illustrator’s rights and achieve the best working practice possible for them.

Image: David Litchfield