Writer festivals in South Africa

Two literature festivals, as well as a film and a dance festival are organised each year by the Centre for the Creative Arts, attached to the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa.

The eighth annual Time of the Writer Festival is to take place from April 4-9 2005. The six-day international festival of writers is presented in association with the French Institute of South Africa. On each of the nights of the festival writers read, discuss and debate their work. Day activities take place at tertiary institutions and other venues, including a workshop for educators, workshops in rural areas, book-launches, short-story competitions and wide-reaching school visits designed to stimulate a culture of reading and writing.

Later in 2005 is the ninth annual Poetry Africa festival, from 10-15 October. This seven-day international festival will feature 25-30 poets representing approximately 16 countries. Numerous other activities include seminars and workshops, interactive exchanges in tertiary institutions and schools, performance opportunities for amateur poets, music and poetry, poetry competitions, slam poetry, poetry in prison, poetry with street children, other special events and satellite activities in other parts of South Africa.

Other events organised by The Centre for Creative Arts are the Durban International Film Festival, the Jomba! Contemporary Dance Festival, and is a co-ordinating partner in the Standard Bank Awesome Africa Music Festival.

For more information visit their website at www.cca.ukzn.ac.za