Presented by the Edinburgh International Book Festival and the British Council.
The Edinburgh World Writers’ Conference is a unique series of events that are bringing writers together around the world to create an historic picture of the role of literature today.
The conversation began in August 2012 at the Edinburgh International Book Festival where 50 world renowned writers joined members of the public every afternoon of 17-21 August 2012 to discuss the five topics that almost brought writers to blows during the infamous Writers’ Conference of 1962.
Following the events in Edinburgh, the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature, the World Writers’ Conference visits Berlin, Cape Town, Toronto, Krasnoyarsk, Cairo, Jaipur, Izmir, Beijing, Brussels, Port of Spain (Trinidad), St Malo, Lisbon, Kuala Lumpur and Melbourne, giving writers in different countries the chance to add their voice to the growing debate about literature and its relationship to contemporary life.
The conversation will be ongoing throughout 2012-13, with regular livestreaming of events worldwide, videos and blogs. Join in and have your say.
Read more about the 1962 Writers’ Conference
Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature
Edinburgh is the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature. This permanent, non competitive title was bestowed upon the city in 2004, giving international recognition to Edinburgh and Scotland as a world centre for literature and literary activity.
Our city is built on books, brimming with writers and readers and home to the world’s largest Book Festival. From the appointment of the world’s first professorship of English Literature in 1762 to today’s purpose-built international Storytelling Centre and Scottish Poetry Library on the Royal Mile, we’re home to many fantastic literary institutions, libraries, publishers and bookshops. We have a diverse calendar of year round events and you can find out more about literary Edinburgh at www.cityofliterature.com.