Writers from the Isle of Wight are set to take part in LitFest26 in Southampton this weekend (13th-15th March) as part of a cross-Solent collaboration highlighting writing’s power to inspire action and social change.
Brevity, the Isle of Wight’s literary handbill, has been commissioned by Southampton-based writer development agency ArtfulScribe to produce a special edition zine for the 3-day event, titled Acts of Resistance.
LitFest26, will showcase writing that encourages debate and change through performance, poetry and prose. The programme includes panel discussions, workshops and live showcases featuring writers from across the Solent region.
The special edition will include work from 8 writers in total, featuring contributions from 5 mainland writers and 3 Island writers including Anmarie Bowler, Jason Watts and Maggie Sawkins.
ArtfulScribe is a not-for-profit organisation based in Southampton that supports emerging and established writers across Hampshire, Dorset and the Solent area. The organisation delivers writing workshops, live literary events and professional development opportunities to help writers create new work and develop their careers.
Anmarie Bowler, Founder and Editor of Brevity, has said:
“This chance to showcase an all-Island publication is exciting.
“Mainland writers and organisations are noticing what we’re doing and reaching out. So, we hope to see and enjoy more cross-Solent collaborations like this one in the future.”
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Brevity publishes short fiction by writers from the Isle of Wight six times each year. The zine is printed in Sandown and is distributed free of charge in libraries, cafes, bookshops and arts centres across the Isle of Wight.
As part of the festival programme, members of the Ventnor Exchange Spoken Word Collective will also perform.
On Saturday (14th March), 3 members of VEX will appear in the Sounds of the Solent showcase (S.O.S.). Andrew Butcher, Tim Cooper and Cody Pevreall were each commissioned to create new work responding to the festival’s theme-Acts of Resistance.
Their performances will explore topics including hidden stories, neurodiversity and trans equality.
LitFest26 is supported by Arts Council England and the Mayflower Theatre.
More information about the event can be found here.
