Asia House Festival of Asian Literature
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The Asia House Festival of Asian Literature, is the first and only Literary festival in the UK dedicated to writing about Asia.[1]
The Festival focuses on the newest and best books about Asia or Asians in an annual series of talks and discussions. Featured are fiction and non-fiction, written by Asians or non-Asians, covering a broad selection of Asian countries from the Persian Gulf in the West, to Indonesia in the East.
Believing that the most accessible way to understand a culture is through its literature, The Asia House Festival of Asian Literature offers a forum for the people of Britain to gain greater understanding of Asian cultures and of the Asian communities around them at home.[2]
Introduction and history
The first Asia House Festival of Asian Literature was held at Asia House in Central London, in May 2007.
The Festival showcases both high-profile and emerging authors. Since its inception, the Festival has hosted authors such as: veteran writer/broadcaster Sir
Asia House Festival of Asian Literature
2010 Program
Festival features
Features include "Meet the Author" receptions after each event, Panel Discussions, Poetry, Podcast of all events, and a Children in Asia Series, .
Themes
Overall themes for 2010 relate to Change and Adaptation to 21st century issues, whether they be political, economic, social or cultural.
Debates and discussions in 2010 cover conflict in Kashmir, democracy and freedom in Asia, Afghanistan, migration and displacement, Persian Gulf economies, and the development of Pakistani fiction.
Authors
The Festival has grown to include events for both adults and children and encompassing music, travel, politics, business, cooking as well as fiction.
Children's authors and artists
Elizabeth Laird, Seema Anand, Nilesh Mistry and Prodeepta Das.
Dates
The 2010 Asia House Festival of Asian Literature ran from 5–27 May 2010 at Asia House. Pre Festival events took place in March, April and June, 2010.
2011 program
Authors
Colin Thubron, Zaiba Malik, Nikesh Shukla, Tahmima Anam, Ching-He Huang, Prajwal Parajuly, Wendy Law Yone, Moni Mohsin, Rachel Cusk, Mimi Khalvati, Ziba Karbassi, Stephen Watts, Mirza Waheed, Roma Tearne, Daisy Hasan, Tamara Chalabi, Ali Allawi, Angela Saini, Amanda Devi, Abdulrazak Gurnah, Tabish Khair, and Hanif Kureishi.
The 2011 Asia House Festival of Asian Literature will run from 10–26 May at Asia House.[4]
Asia House
Asia House is the home of The Festival of Asian Literature. Founded in 1996, it is the leading Pan-Asian organisation in the
Its mission is to “engage with the Century of Asia” by promoting a greater understanding of the distinctive and varied cultures, arts, religions and commercial opportunities presented by the growing and vibrant countries of Asia.
Based in a listed John Adam style 18th century townhouse in Marylebone, Central London, featuring a Gallery, Library, Café, and three Fine Rooms, it provides a focal point for people to meet and exchange ideas.