News / Literature
New festival celebrates life and work of James Baldwin
The life and work of one of the world’s foremost black writers and civil rights activists is being celebrated at a new festival in Bristol.
James Baldwin explored topics from race and sexuality to gender and class, travessing several forms including essays, poems, novels and plays.
Conversations with Baldwin will take place across London and Bristol – photo: Words of Colour
Now, his legacy and impact will be explored in a new festival on his centenary year curated by immersive change agency, Words of Colour, which creates opportunities for writers, creatives, entrepreneurs and communities of colour.
is needed now More than ever
Conversations with Baldwin will celebrate and examine the legacy of the American author and intellectual with book clubs, live literature events, virtual salons, film screenings and workshops.
The hybrid festival will take place across Bristol and London from September to October this year, and 50 per cent will be virtual.
Highlights include a book club, which Baldwin lovers can attend virtually or in-person to discuss two of Baldwin’s most popular works: Giovanni’s Room (1956) and Notes of a Native Son (1955).
While a Conversations with Baldwin Film Club will showcase films and documentaries on his life and work in London and at the Cube in Bristol.
And the Salon series will platform virtual panel discussions on Baldwin’s literature while the Creators Space will host virtual and in-person workshops for writers and aspiring change agents.
A number of artists have already been confirmed for the programme as well, including internationally renowned poet Muneera Pilgrim, drag performer Ernest the Drag King, poetry and dance duo Saili Katebe and Deepraj Singh, and BlkOut UK founder Dr Rob Berkeley.
International poet, cultural producer, writer, broadcaster and TEDx speaker, Mureena Pilgrim will be speaking at the event – photo: Words of Colour
“James Baldwin is one of those writers whose words change your life forever,” said Heather Marks, curator of the festival and creative producer at Words of Colour.
“With the centenary of his birth in 2024, Conversations with Baldwin is an opportunity to share and create that moment between us – whether you’re reading him for the first time, or revisiting an old favourite.
“It’s a chance to come together and reflect on why his writing – his orature and his activism – still hold so much sway for us today.”
Baldwin’s sole UK publisher, Penguin Classics, has partnered with Bristol organisations including Arnolfini, Bookhaus and Bristol Libraries to curate the festival.
Main photo: PBS
Read next:
- My Bristol Favourites: Heather Marks
- Author Emily Koch on Bristol’s burgeoning literary scene
- Pop-up micro bookshop opens
Listen to the latest Bristol24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast:
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
