| We want to thank you for standing with us. Together we have raised R104 177.23 towards the R500 000 that we need. We have streamlined our donation process to make supporting the festival easier than ever. Please contribute here if you are able, or share this appeal widely. |
Recent developments have fundamentally changed our financial landscape. When we were last in touch, we had not yet heard the outcomes of applications to the Western Cape Cultural Affairs and Sport, or to the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture. Since then, we have received a letter from the Western Cape confirming they can support us with just over R55 000. Our original application was for R300 000. The DSAC list of projects does not include Open Book at all (see the list of supported projects here). After years of receiving crucial multi-year funding as a Western Cape Flagship Project (including R700 000 in 2024), we can no longer depend on government support.
Open Book isn’t just an event – it’s a vital cultural ecosystem. If Open Book Festival ceases to exist, the impact will be felt by many writers who have enjoyed the platform the festival creates, the sales of books, the opportunities to meet, engage and connect with other writers and the opportunities to talk to readers and engaged citizens. Our impact speaks through the words of those who’ve experienced the festival:
Open Book operates on an annual budget of approximately R2 million, covering our flagship September festival, Youth Festival in March, and Workshop Week in June. With government funding slashed and only R55,000 confirmed from provincial sources, we face an unprecedented shortfall.
The stark truth: Without immediate support, there may be no Open Book Festival beyond September 2025.
Every contribution matters. Every share extends our reach. Every voice raised in support strengthens the community we’ve built together. Please support if you can and share with anyone you think might also do so.