World-renowned Caribbean writers including Kei Miller, Tiphanie Yanique, Tobias Buckell, and Desiree C. Bailey are scheduled to headline the second BVI Literary Arts Festival from Nov. 3-6 as part of the Culture Department’s Culture and Tourism Month.
This year’s event will showcase literature, film, music and poetry under the theme “Unspoken. Unwritten. Unknown,” according to host H. Lavity Stoutt Community College.
To that end, writers and other speakers from the Caribbean and its diaspora will take the stage during a series of panels, readings, films, workshops, lectures and a local book fair.
The lineup
On Nov. 4, a Friday, the event will present a series of readings and panel discussions at the HLSCC Paraquita Bay Campus followed by an evening showcase of emerging local writers themed “Light A Fire” at Sushi Bar in Road Town.
On Nov. 5, the festival will offer writing workshops and a book fair at Maria’s by the Sea.
The BVI Lit Fest Poetry Slam competition will follow the same day.
Contestants will perform a three-minute performance poem in response to this year’s theme. The winner will receive $1,000, while the runner-up will receive $250.
To enter the contest, poets must submit a short poetry performance video and written sample to smconnell@hlscc.edu.vg by 5 p.m. on Oct. 28.
Expansion
The expansion of activities this year is due in large part to support from organisations including Unite BVI Foundation, according to HLSCC.
HLSCC President and VI Poet Laureate Dr. Richard Georges said he is “deeply pleased to see the BVI Lit Fest grow.”
To see the full schedule and the list of speakers, go to www.bvilitfest.com.