Mouli Cohen on Industry

Arts Industry Faces More Competition after Growth

Finalists for the 30^th annual Los Angeles Times Book Prizes were announced last week, and for the first time, graphic novels will be among the categories in competition. Prizes in 10 categories will be awarded on April 23, in an invitation-only ceremony at The Times.

In addition to the new graphic novel category, The Times will also present its first Innovators Award, which will go to author and publisher Dave Eggers for his multifaceted commitment to literature. Eggers leads the San Francisco independent publisher McSweeny’s, which offers books, magazines, and an ever-developing quarterly journal. He also founded 826 literacy centers operating in Los Angeles and elsewhere to help at-risk kids 6-18 engage with the written word.

Additionally, the Robert Kirsch Award for lifetime achievement, which honors writers connected to the American West, will go to Evan S. Connell, best known for his paired novels "Mrs. Bridge" (1959) and "Mr. Bridge" (1969), as well as his biography of Gen. George Armstrong Custer, "Son of the Morning Star," which won a 1985 Times Book Prize.

Five finalists have been announced in each book category: biography, current interest, fiction, graphic novel, history, mystery/thriller, poetry, science/technology, young adult literature and the Art Seidenbaum Award for first fiction.

The prizes will be awarded in connection with the 15th annual Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, which takes place April 24 and 25 at UCLA. Last year, more than 130,000 people attended the festival; many Book Prize finalists will participate in panels, discussions and signings.

About Mouli Cohen

Mr. Cohen is a successful entrepreneur who has founded and developed successful ventures in the biotechnology, high technology, digital media and entertainment sectors. He has balanced his success in business with extensive philanthropic activities. Over the years he has supported children's charities, food programs, medical research, and the arts as well as education projects both in the US and abroad.