Breathing life back into Tom Paine’s bones – graphic novel aims to resurrect neglected political reformer

Thomas Paine was a radical human rights and political reform advocate whose work inspired the American Revolution and the formation of a democratic United States.

Artist Paul Fitzgerald is determined to re-tell the story of this forgotten hero whose work still has valid lessons to be learned in these stormy times for democracies worldwide. Kickstarter campaign aims to get this graphic novel project over the finish line. Paul answers The Meteor’s questions on why he wants to graphically re-tell Tom’s story to a new audience.

The Factory arts venue faces huge funding shortfall

Originally costing £110m, The Factory arts centre is now expected to cost £186m and the project is currently tens of millions short of its target. Manchester City Council say they can’t fill the gap because of the dire financial straits they face due to Covid.

Take the Post Growth Challenge to help reimagine our economy

The dominant global economic system says infinite growth is possible on finite planetary resources. It is a system which is devouring the planet, increasing human inequality, decreasing biodiversity, and spewing out vast amounts of greenhouse gases causing devastating climate change.

There needs to be an alternative to the endemic and irrational idea that rising GDP is the only way to measure progress. The Post Growth Challenge is your chance to present that alternative.