We are very thrilled to reveal the logo of the Bucheon Diaspora Literary Award. What image comes to mind when you first see this logo? Its symbol mark design is inspired from the dandelion flower, whose external characteristics of flying in the wind to different places and growing into new plants correspond with Diaspora, which means “to scatter about.” This unassuming cheerful flower holds a special meaning of gratitude and happiness, which also conveys the purpose of the establishment of the BUDILIA. We hope this visual statement easily get to the heart of people around the world, just like the white seeds from a dandelion traveling in the wind.

Feb 15, 2021

Our friend Manchester City of Literature, known for cultural diversity which sees almost 200 languages spoken, leads a creative lockdown festival(16-28th February, 2021) of 18 virtual events from partners across the city centered around UNESCO's International Mother Language Day, which is celebrated globally on 21st February. https://aboutmanchester.co.uk/manchester-city-of-literature-celebration-of-unescos-international-mother-language-day-16th-28th-feb-18-virtual-events-for-communities-across-the-city/?fbclid=IwAR3IjHNhNQ2yrZHNb8hBf-wxv6gwwqKrCF2W7amU7yQhIHMyS212o-y3rlQ

Feb 10, 2021

Our friends, Slemani, City of Literature embarked on a project in cooperation with Exeter, City of Literature. Kashkul, the center for arts and culture, based at the American University of Iraq-Slemani(AUIS) is partnering with the Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies Exeter at the University of Exeter on a series of virtual talks : Curating Kurdishness : Arts, Culture, and the Archive in Kurdistan and Beyond. Save the dates for the virtual series hosted by Professor Christine Robins and Dr. Alana Marie Levinson-LaBrosse. The second talk will take place on Wednesday, February 10th at 7PM Slemani time.

Feb 8, 2021

The Dublin Literary Award in Dublin City of Literature has released their 2021 longlist of 49 titles, nominated by 69 libraries. Congratulations to all the nominated authors, translators and publishers! Check out the list here: https://dublinliteraryaward.ie/book-category/2021/

Feb 8, 2021

Literary locations #6 Manhwa(comic books) Cafes This time, Comic book Cafes will be highlighted. While Koreans are huge fans of webtoons, there are people who love flipping through pages while sitting back in comfortable chairs and binge-reading anything from old classics to newly released web-based cartoons. With a comfortable lounge-like atmosphere, Manhwa cafes(Franchise chains like Beoltoon and Nolsoop, and so on) in Korea have been spruced up with colorful interior designs and creative space use, being transformed into the place where visitors with all ages could hang out. People could come alone, as a couple or in a group. The cafes have become spaces to simply relax and lounge, reading comic books and novels while enjoying the company of others. You can hang around rows of shelves packed with a vast collections of comics and publications. You lean against cozy seats and enjoy reading, feeling as relaxed and comfortable as you are at home after picking up what you would like to read. You can also bring your own books, too. You don’t need to go outside when you feel hungry while you are emerged in reading. There are drinks and you can snack on things such as Ramyeon and Tkeokbokki, which can be ordered at the counter. These places can serve as alternatives to traditional public libraries and other spaces, albeit for a fee.

Feb 8, 2021

The fantastic folks at National Centre for Writing in Norwich City of Literature have welcomed 5 writers from Dunedin, Dublin, Edinburgh, Reykjavik, and Krakow for a virtual residency. With the project titled “Imagining the City”, these UNESCO writers will be exploring connections between the cities throughout their virtual residency, running workshops with young people in Norfolk, making appearance on The Writing Life podcast and taking part in events for Meet the World series. https://nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk/imagining-the-city/ #ImaginingtheCity #UNESCOCitiesofLiterature

Feb 4, 2021

The Newbery Medal award winner for 2021 is Tae Keller's "When You Trap a Tiger." And "We Are Water Protectors" written by Carole Lindstrom and illustrated by Michaela Goade have been awarded the Caldecott Medal. Congratulations! "When You Trap a Tiger" is inspired by Korean Folklore. Can't wait to find out how Korean folklore has been brought to life! https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/25/books/newbery-medal-caldecott-award.html

Feb 4, 2021

The International Cities of Refuge Network(ICORN) is an organization of cities and regions offering shelter to writers and artists at risk, advancing freedom of expression, defending democratic values and promoting international solidarity. Since 2006 more than 70 cities have joined the network and more than 200 writer and artists have found refuge in an ICORN city. https://www.icorn.org/about-icorn Among more than 70 cities of Refuges are 15 UNESCO Creative Cities including Barcelona, Krakow, Lillehammer, Ljubljana, Norwich, Reykjavik, and Wrocław Cities of Literature shining through!

Feb 3, 2021

Delighted for Rory Waterman, the first writer in residence at Bucheon(with Jeff Noh), whose poem 「Old Flat, Abandoned」 was chosen as Poem of the Week by Carol Rumens in The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2021/jan/18/poem-of-the-week-old-flat-abandoned-by-rory-waterman?fbclid=IwAR00x4PivLnTVJifK-ijkO62HXFgckIK_BYx-7Y6gSD9n_cEE8gKIp8ee2w

Jan 29, 2021

Amanda Gorman’s inaugural poem ‘The Hill We Climb’ was a great reminder of the healing power of poetry and the proof that the arts will bring people together! #powerofpoetry #powerofliterature #diversityofvoices https://www.elle.com/uk/life-and-culture/culture/a35276230/amanda-gormans-poem-the-hill-we-climb/

Jan 28, 2021