Read My World Festival
When – September 12th – September 14th
Where – Amsterdam
Amsterdam’s literary scene is a vibrant tapestry, woven with a rich history of literary culture and a flourishing contemporary scene. The city’s literary landscape is decorated with several illustrious literary awards and festivals, but the Read My World Festival stands out for celebrating diversity and culture from around the world.
Among Amsterdam’s notable literary figures, Anne Frank is an iconic name. Her diary, a heart-wrenching account of her family’s experience during the Holocaust, has left an indelible mark on global literature. The Anne Frank House in Amsterdam is a befitting tribute to her legacy and a popular tourist spot.
Amsterdam’s contemporary literary scene is equally impressive, with a diverse range of writers and poets calling the city home. Independent bookstores and publishing houses dot the city’s literary landscape, while literary events and workshops offer a platform for emerging writers and poets.
One such notable event is the Read My World Festival, a colorful celebration of diversity and culture that draws writers and poets from all corners of the globe.
The festival is a welcoming space for marginalized communities to share their stories and connect with readers, making it a truly unique and important event on Amsterdam’s literary calendar.
But how did Read My World Festival start?
Once upon a time in Amsterdam, a group of writers, poets, and cultural activists shared a dream of creating a festival that would showcase literature from non-Western countries and cultures.
They envisioned a platform for dialogue and exchange between different literary traditions and a celebration of diversity and culture through literature, music, and other cultural events.
Some like-minded visionaries came together to find the Read My World Festival in 2013. Fuelled by their passion and dedication, they worked tirelessly with a team of volunteers to bring their vision to life.
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Their dream was to provide a space for writers from marginalized communities to share their stories with a global audience. They knew that by doing so, they could promote mutual understanding and respect between people of different cultures and beliefs.
Since then, the Read My World Festival has become a beloved event on Amsterdam’s literary calendar, attracting writers and poets from every corner of the world. The festival’s impact extends far beyond the city, inspiring others to celebrate diversity and culture through literature, music, and art.
About Read My World Festival.
The Read My World Festival is a one-of-a-kind event that celebrates the beauty and complexity of diversity, literature, and culture.
Taking place every year in the stunning city of Amsterdam, Netherlands, the festival is a platform for talented writers and poets from all around the world to showcase their work and connect with readers.
At its core, the festival seeks to highlight literature from non-Western countries and cultures, creating an inclusive space for dialogue and exchange between different literary traditions.
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The lineup features a rich tapestry of writers and poets, both established and up-and-coming, with a special focus on amplifying voices from marginalized communities.
But the Read My World Festival is much more than just a literary event. It also boasts an array of other cultural experiences, from music and art to thought-provoking discussions and workshops.
All of these elements work together to create a truly immersive celebration of diversity and an urgent call for greater understanding and empathy between people from different walks of life.
Each year, the festival is curated around a specific theme, which serves as a lens through which writers and poets can explore a particular issue or topic. Recent themes have ranged from the eternal question of what it means to live forever, to aging, mortality, and the search for meaning in life.
Behind the scenes, a dedicated team of volunteers works tirelessly to ensure that the festival runs smoothly and that the writers and poets are given all the support they need to shine.
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The literary festival is funded through a combination of public and private sources, including grants and sponsorships from cultural organizations and businesses.
With writers and poets hailing from all over the world, the Read My World Festival truly lives up to its name. Participants have come from countries as diverse as Syria, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Indonesia, Brazil, Colombia, and beyond, offering a rare opportunity to discover new voices and engage with different literary traditions.
In addition to the main events, the festival also offers a range of workshops, panel discussions, and other activities that provide invaluable opportunities for learning and connecting. Topics range from literary translation and journalism to activism and beyond.
One of the festival’s most unique features is its commitment to multilingualism. Many of the events are designed to allow writers and poets to perform in their native languages, with translations provided for non-speakers. This approach perfectly reflects the festival’s commitment to promoting inclusivity and diversity in all its forms.
The Read My World Festival is truly an inclusive event that welcomes participants from all walks of life. It is dedicated to creating a safe and respectful environment for all, while promoting mutual understanding and respect between people of different cultures and beliefs.
The festival is also committed to providing opportunities for women writers and poets to showcase their work, ensuring that all voices are heard and celebrated.
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All in all, the Read My World Festival is an important and unique event that celebrates the richness and diversity of world literature and culture.
It provides an essential platform for writers and poets to connect with readers, while promoting greater understanding and empathy between people from different backgrounds.
Whether you’re a literature lover, a culture enthusiast, or simply someone who values inclusivity and diversity, this is a festival you won’t want to miss.
