BRADFORD’S creatives are set to break boundaries with “the brave, pioneering and struggling artists and writers” of Pakistan in a new international project. Tittled From Keighley To Karachi , the group of ten women - five from the district and five from Pakistan - will curate and deliver a weekend of digital literature festival events for public audiences in November. It is part of a collaboration between Bradford Literature Festival (BLF) and Adab Festival in Pakistan and backed by the British Council Digital Collaboration Fund. Adaab Festival was formed in 2019 to showcase Pakistan’s historically rich and diverse literature and cultures in light of continuing challenges, stifled expression and stereotypes.
SunStar
Contributed photo January 25, 2021 THE international longlist for one of the world’s largest literary prizes for young writers the Swansea University Dylan Thomas Prize is announced on January 21, 2021, featuring a record number of nine debut writers.
The list comprises nine novels, two poetry collections and one short story collection, and at a time when travel has been restricted and contact with loved ones limited, these extraordinary titles eight of which are by female writers transport the reader from Seoul to Hong Kong, Syria to Kilburn, Montana to Dublin, in a powerful exploration of homeland, identity, and relationships:
The Connecting Stories initiative aims to boost youngsters’ access to books and champion reading and creative writing. Spearheading the venture is Bradford Stories – the district’s National Literacy Trust hub – with funding from Arts Council England. Authors Konnie Huq and Harry Heape will stage ‘virtual visits’ and oversee a writing competition. And publishers Bonnier Books UK and Faber & Faber will donate books. The creative writing contest will be open to young people aged seven to 14. Entries will be published in one of 19 Connecting Stories anthologies and displayed at community venues. Ms Huq said: “I have long believed in the power of stories and their ability to connect us all, which is why I jumped at the chance to take part in this exciting new project.