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Description
The project combines the mobility of writers with audience building and helps spread awareness of original Icelandic and Czech literature abroad. It involves writers from Iceland and Czechia. The project’s purpose is, among other, to convey current thinking about the European context, disrupt stereotypes, explain and connect.
It contrasts the growing uniformity of the media landscape with free literary creativity which brings forward opinions and reflects on important issues with an analytical and expressive strength that enables to capture and uncover significant connections.
31 Icelandic authors will join their colleagues from the Czech Republic and other European countries to participate in the project including dozens of authors’ readings and associated events. The outputs will include a book of essays introducing the Icelandic authors’ thinking about their country, an audiovisual anthology tracing contemporary Icelandic literature, and an audiovisual documentation archive providing a snapshot of the culture and society of Iceland from the perspective of its literary elite, last but not least Brno will be hosting the International Summer School of Icelandic Studies.
The cornerstone of the project will be the 22nd edition of the Authors’ Reading Month (ARM) festival, which will include 31 Icelandic authors as guests of honour. The ARM festival was first held in 2000 in Brno and gradually spread to other towns and countries. In Czechia, it takes place in Brno and Ostrava, while simultaneous events are held in Wrocław, Košice, Budapest and Lviv. The Icelandic edition will also take place in Reykjavík.
Thanks to its extensive scope, the festival keeps on going throughout the whole year, culminating in July and August when it constantly moves from place to place for 31 days on end. The main programme will include two lines: domestic and international, with the latter introducing the literature of the guest country, i.e. Iceland, in the year 2021.
Summary of project results
The project raised awareness of Icelandic and Czech literature abroad. It provided a platform for free literary creation. The main challenges were the logistics of activities across countries and ensuring the participation of 31 Icelandic authors. In addition, it was difficult to secure the necessary support for translators and the production team to create the planned audiovisual materials and publications. Despite delays caused by the pandemic situation, the project was implemented.
In the project, we carried out activities aimed at connecting the Czech and Icelandic literary scenes. The main highlight was the annual Authors'' Reading Month festival, which welcomed Iceland as the guest of honor. The program included readings by 31 Icelandic authors in Brno and Ostrava and 16 Czech authors in Reykjavik. We also prepared translations and published the anthology "Atlas of Thought" featuring essays by Icelandic authors, as well as a series of audiovisual essays titled"Icelandic Reader." The documentary project "The Story of Iceland" explored the cultural and social context of the country. Additionally, there was a Summer School of Icelandic Studies in Brno, where students could study Icelandic and meet the authors. These activities fostered international cultural dialogue, introduced Icelandic literature to the Czech audience, and strengthened relationships between Czech and Icelandic institutions.
The project strengthened cultural exchange between the Czech Republic and Iceland and included nearly 100 author readings, workshops, and screenings. It introduced 31 Icelandic authors to the Czech audience. The book Thought Atlas: Iceland (1,000 copies) featured their works, and an audiovisual anthology titled "Icelandic Reader" was created (ca 1.2 mil. views). The publications and online content of the project significantly increased the engagement and visibility of Nordic literature.
The project contributed to the development of cultural cooperation between the Czech Rep. and Iceland, aligning with the program''s overall goal of fostering international cultural exchange. By presenting Icelandic literature in the Czech Rep. and vice versa, it strengthened cultural dialogue and awareness of shared traditions. In the long term, the project will support interest in Icelandic literature, facilitate further collaboration between literary institutions, and inspire new translations.
Summary of bilateral results
Collaboration with partners played a key role in facilitating the exchange of expertise, resources, and knowledge. Their contributions were essential in selecting authors, developing promotional strategies, and managing the logistical organization of events, ensuring a seamless integration of diverse cultural perspectives.Partner involvement was instrumental in increasing the project''s visibility and impact. Public broadcasters helped promote the festival, expanding its reach and generating greater interest in both Icelandic and Czech literature. Academic institutions provided valuable insights into the literary landscape, enhancing the program''s relevance and depth.This strong collaboration not only reinforced the project''s foundation but also created opportunities for future partnerships. It established a sustainable framework for ongoing cultural dialogue between Czechia and Iceland, paving the way for continued exchange and cooperation.The partnership led to significant achievements, including 62 readings in Brno and Ostrava, along with 15 in Reykjavík, accompanied by presentations in these cities. The Icelandic Reader series was screened, featuring 16 episodes in both Brno and Reykjavík, with two evenings dedicated to discussions between authors and Scandinavianists.Additionally, the collaboration resulted in the publication of Thought Atlas: Iceland, a book featuring texts by Icelandic authors, with a print run of 1,000 copies. These activities played a key role in fostering mutual understanding, expanding cultural perspectives, and strengthening literary exchanges. The shared outcomes contributed to a broader impact on both audiences and participants, further enriching the cultural dialogue.