Commencing in 2011, Open Book was established as an annual literary celebration held every September in Cape Town.
The COVID-19 pandemic prompted the organisers to envision novel possibilities for the festival’s format, leading to the inception of a more adaptable Open Book featuring a series of events spanning the entire year.
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Since its inception, the fundamental aim of the Open Book Festival has been to curate spaces for meaningful dialogues centred around literature. Its events provide a platform for discussions that delve into the various challenges faced by both South African and global citizens.
When Mervyn Sloman and Ben Williams initially contemplated the creation of a festival, they envisioned around 60 literary affairs occurring over 5 days, highlighting approximately 15 prominent international authors alongside some of the finest contemporary South African writers.
However, thanks to the astounding support showered upon Open Book, this modest concept rapidly blossomed into a festival encompassing over 100 events and involving more than 100 authors.
Between 2011 and 2019, the festival provided a platform for numerous writers and attendees to partake in substantial conversations that delved into the challenges confronting global citizens. After the pandemic, Open Book shifted its focus from in-person gatherings to a podcast series, thereby ensuring the continuity of the curated conversations.
Nonetheless, the joy of physical gatherings persisted, and Open Book was thrilled to welcome individuals back to traditional venues in 2022.
While Open Book has adapted its engagement approach throughout the year, the core vision of the festival remains. Its commitment to orchestrating events that leave a lasting impact extends beyond the venue’s confines.
The Open Book vision encompasses four key elements:
- Attracting preeminent writers and diverse audiences to the festival.
- Presenting a showcase of South African literary excellence.
- Nurturing a meaningful and sustainable contribution to the future by fostering a love for reading and books among the youth of Cape Town
- Drawing diverse audiences to all Open Book events.
To ensure the festival’s excellence, Open Book has nurtured several partnerships. These collaborators assume a pivotal role in the ongoing success of the festival, facilitating author participation and extending outreach into diverse communities.
Over the years, Open Book has transformed into a trusted space that facilitates the exploration of challenging conversations. At the heart of the mission lies the recognition of the significance of books in understanding the world.
While writers and their creations remain central to the festival, the role of the audience holds equal importance. The conviction that meaningful dialogues flourish in an environment embracing diverse perspectives is steadfast.
In 2022, Open Book took a deliberate stride towards highlighting South African writers. While the majority of participants that year originated from the nation, the festival organisers felt privileged to showcase a curated group of African writers too. The local assembly was equally exhilarating, encompassing familiar countenances with whom there had been extensive collaboration, alongside debut authors whose literary contributions had proven to be captivating.
Attendees are encouraged to explore the diverse array of authors scheduled to join the event by visiting the dedicated page. The books published by these participants are available for purchase at the Book Lounge unless they are yet to be published.
The full programme can be accessed here.
Most of the events planned for this year’s festival will be hosted at HCC: The Homecoming Centre, but Open Book is also running events at 16 on Lerotholi in Langa, at The Electric in Canterbury Street, The Book Lounge and at The Neighbourgood East City Communal Area. Access the programme to find out more.
Details:
- Dates: 8 to 10 September 2023 | 10am
- Location: District Six Homecoming Centre | 15 M59, District Six, Cape Town
- Book: Webtickets
- Contact: [email protected]
- Website: openbookfestival.co.za
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Picture: Open Book Festival / Facebook