Black to the Future festival: a journey into Afrofuturism
In the world of literature, cinema, and art, Afrofuturism has emerged as a powerful and visionary movement, offering a glimpse into a future seen through a Black lens. “Black to the Future” (BttF) is a groundbreaking festival of outstanding Black artists, a creative space where visionary imaginings can thrive. This event, curated, founded, and directed […]
AI’s unauthorised use of authors’ work sparks call for licences
In the ever-evolving landscape of technology and creativity, the question of authorship and fair compensation has become increasingly complex. The Authors Guild, a prominent organisation representing writers, has been at the forefront of a battle for authors’ rights. In collaboration with congressional leaders, they have been working to devise measures aimed at safeguarding the rights […]
Wales Millennium Centre faces backlash over AI comic course
The Wales Millennium Centre, a renowned arts venue in Cardiff, UK, recently found itself in the middle of a social media storm after announcing a new course aimed at helping aspiring creators craft their first comic or graphic novel using artificial intelligence (AI). The initiative sparked a fierce backlash, with critics arguing that the national […]
Britain’s public libraries to offer ‘warm banks’ this winter
As winter approaches, most public libraries in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are gearing up to provide much-needed warm banks, companionship, and support to those who are hit hardest by the ever-mounting cost-of-living crisis. In these trying times, the concept of “warm spaces” is gaining momentum as a lifeline for communities, offering a haven where […]
Scholastic backtracks after alleged exclusion of diverse books
Children’s publisher Scholastic was criticised for alleged exclusion of diverse books at book fairs in the US amid right-wing pressure.
Askold Melnyczuk remembers Victoria Amelina as Ukraine war rages
In a recent interview with Askold Melnyczuk, the renowned writer, translator, and Arrowsmith Press founder, How To Be Books delved into the life and work of the late Victoria Amelina, a prominent writer whose impact transcended borders. Melnyczuk recently edited and published the anthology “Nothing Bad Has Ever Happened,” which serves as a tribute to […]
Frankfurt Book Fair: open letter supports cancelled Adania Shibli
In these recent and troubling times, we have witnessed a disheartening trend across several European countries—a clampdown on cultural events that seek to amplify Palestinian art, voices, and stories. The Frankfurt Book Fair, known as the largest and most influential international book fair, slated to run from October 18 to 23, has stirred controversy by […]
Clapham Book Festival: Melvyn Bragg and modern literary trends
The Clapham Book Festival 2023, known for its distinctive and quirky lineup, brought together a diverse range of literary and broadcasting talents. Among the highlights was the appearance of the renowned broadcaster and author Melvyn Bragg, who engaged in a conversation about his life, work, and writing with Radio 4’s cultural and opera expert, Tom […]
Top authors call on Baillie Gifford to end fossil fuel ties
A fresh campaign, endorsed by over 150 prominent authors, including renowned activist Naomi Klein, has petitioned the Edinburgh Book Festival sponsor Baillie Gifford, to sever its connections with the fossil fuel industry. In July, The Ferret, an investigative journalism outlet, brought to light that Baillie Gifford, a significant asset manager headquartered in Edinburgh, had invested […]
Intersectional Environmentalist author Leah Thomas on climate change
Climate change is considered an intersectional issue because it intersects with and exacerbates various social, economic, and environmental challenges, disproportionately affecting different communities and groups of people, which is what we spoke about with The Intersectional Environmentalist author Leah Thomas. Here are some key ways in which climate change is intersectional: Read: Edinburgh Book Festival: […]