Periphery Literary Festival

Media materials:

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Eurocentrum Karlovy Vary

Organisation:

Eurocentrum Karlovy Vary

Country:

Czech Republic

About organisation:

The Eurocentre Karlovy Vary is an information point where citizens can address their questions about the European Union. The Eurocentre provides information about the EU for the general and professional public, offers information materials and a range of other services for those interested in a deeper understanding of the European Union and aspects of the Czech Republic's EU membership. Eurocentre provides also Eurodesk, such as the main provider of information on European policies and opportunities for young people and those who work with them.

Title of the project

Periphery Literary Festival

Start date:

30/9/2022

End date:

2/10/2022

Objectives:

The Sokolov region has long been one of the structurally affected regions. This means that it faces higher unemployment, a low standard of living, a low proportion of university-educated inhabitants, poor transport accessibility, an outflow of young people from the region and problems associated with lignite mining. Young people respond to these problems with their literary work, which they present in the form of POETRY SLAM - a performative genre of original poetry in which poets perform spoken poetry in front of an audience. In this region there is a very strong representation of representatives of this genre, who initiated the creation of the first edition of the Periphery Literary Festival. The aim of the creation of the festival was to offer young people the opportunity to step out of the dark stereotype of the periphery and be active and creative. Another aim was to introduce well-known writers and poets.The festival took place over 3 days and during these days the following activities were carried out: introduction of the DiscoverEU programme, Time to move activities, discussions with Czech language teachers, readings by high school students, reading poets: rap concert, Lettrism workshop literary PECHA KUCHA POETRY SLAM, theatre for children, workshop blackout poetry, 200 young people attended the festival, more details about festival see https://www.facebook.com/events/586114889885223/?post_id=624284109401634&view=permalink

Why the project was: empowering young people, adapting to changing realities, or thinking out of the box:

A young person looking for a place in society needs to be able to express his or her opinions and emotions. It is very important for his personal development. Identification with the place where he lives is very important. Finding his place in society and being happy, even if it may be a grey periphery. Young people have been involved in the preparation and implementation and their opinions through literature have made their views and wishes known and thus can give impetus to changes in society and empowerment. In an interesting way they can reach out to the public who will listen to them. Teachers and public administration were also involved in the festival and can spread these views further.

How the project was inclusive:

The Eurodesk presentation focused on the European Year of Youth and the activities Time to move, Discover EU and youth mobility. Promotional videos for the campaign were shown. A literary competition for students was held during the festival and they received Eurodesk awards. Eurodesk publications and promotional materials for Time to move were distributed! The campaign was also publicised on our website and Facebook pages.

Green aspect:

The festival was promoted online, no leaflets were printed. All information was distributed via social media and the programme was projected on the wall on site. Only utensils that are durable and not made of plastic were used on site. Local food was used for refreshments, without the need to import from abroad. The festival was located in three places (library, cinema, community centre), these places were chosen so that participants could move around on foot and did not have to use means of transport.

How the project has given a European dimension to your event and ensured the visibility and promotion of Eurodesk?

The Eurodesk presentation focused on the European Year of Youth and the activities Time to move, Discover EU and youth mobility. Promotional videos for the campaign were shown. A literary competition for students was held during the festival and they received Eurodesk awards. Eurodesk publications and promotional materials for Time to move were distributed! The campaign was also publicised on our website and Facebook pages.

Impact:

It was the first year of the festival, 200 young people from the region attended, initiating the creation of a festival that will be repeated every year and in which young people can participate through their literary work. It also brought young amateur authors together with professional book authors, who were able to pass on their experience and motivate young people to create their own work. At the same time, a community of active young people was created who care about where they live and are interested in their surroundings and want to bring about change in society through their artistic expression.