Workshop Week continues to be a calendar highlight with writers irrespective of experience. The topics have been diverse, and hosted by facilitators who are well respected in the local creative industry. On the high off of all this fresh knowledge and inspiration, we are hosting a competition that dips into your well of creativity!
Open Book Festival has evolved over the years. More books, added events and a growing audience. As preparations begin for our main festival in September, we want to hear from you:
WHAT DO YOU THINK REFLECTS THE OPEN BOOK FESTIVAL JOURNEY?
HOW TO ENTER
Using an original piece of writing (max 500 words) or visuals of your own creation, show us how you see the Open Book Festival through your personal lens or the community’s.
In order to enter, email your submission to katia@openbookfestival.com, before the end of June. Your email must include “JUNE SUBMISSION” in the subject line.
Entries are limited to one per person.
STAND A CHANCE TO WIN:
FIRST PLACE PRIZE
Full festival pass to the 2026 September Open Book Festival as well as a R300 Book Lounge voucher
Second Place: 3 sets of September Festival tickets (two per chosen event)
Third Place: 2 sets of September Festival tickets (two per chosen event)
ENTRIES CLOSE ON JUNE 30TH
WORKSHOP WEEK HIGHLIGHT
Tea With Our Living Ancestors
With Natalie Sifuma and Stella Hertantyo
Open Book Festival is all about conversations that matter and this event was the perfect embodiment of that.
Natalie Sifuma and Stella Hertantyo created an environment that brought people of all ages together to hear each other’s stories, drawing us back to the root of how history has always been shared.
Rizqah Dollie, Nadia Kamies and Andre Marais joined us to share stories of their history and get the night going, before participants spent time together over tea.
We thank Bertha House for hosting us this week and helping spread the love of conversation and storytelling.
SEPTEMBER OPEN BOOK FESTIVAL IS UP NEXT
Make sure you have the first weekend of September blocked off for you to spend it immersed in the world of books, art and community. Expect a programme full of storytellers, creatives and publishing industry leaders, all coming together for conversations that matter.
Browse the market, meet like-minds, get your books signed. This will not be one to miss.
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Special thanks to our sponsors and partners without whom none of this would be possible.
