by Deon-Simphiwe Skade
The 2014 Open Book Festival came and went with a successful turnout, considering of course that books sales have been declining in recent years. This positive outcome is worth commending, bearing in mind that Open Book is only a few years old compared to other long established literary festivals.
Perhaps what is of concern with literary festivals however is the minimal numbers of black audience. It would be very interesting to know, through research of course, why there is not nearly enough black people attending these types of events. Assuming that the reasons for the poor turnout is an economic one, for example, I believe it is not nearly enough reason for the poor turnout. For I know of many young and old professionals within the black population that do indeed read and support other art events in general.
Perhaps there is a golden opportunity for the literary festival sponsors and organisers to get other segments of the South Africa society to attend book fairs. Also, as suggested by prolific writer and festival participant, Thando Mgqolozana, these book festivals should in fact be hosted in townships as well.
Nonetheless, a shift in mindsets by introducing a Comic Fest, as done by the organisers of the Open Book, proves that innovation usually brings in tremendous results that feed into integration and general growth of the arts. It is precisely for this reason I wish to write solely about the comic book segment of the Open Book Festival, from a specific point of view of course.
The Comic Fest attracted a large number of illustrators and comic material creators. The Homecoming Centre, which is where the comic creatives were housed, was teeming with people who either came to buy the many books that were on display, or to have the authors sign their books. Many other patrons came to buy and even learn more about the comic books. I was one such person...
CONTINUE READING THIS ARTICLE HERE.
Perhaps what is of concern with literary festivals however is the minimal numbers of black audience. It would be very interesting to know, through research of course, why there is not nearly enough black people attending these types of events. Assuming that the reasons for the poor turnout is an economic one, for example, I believe it is not nearly enough reason for the poor turnout. For I know of many young and old professionals within the black population that do indeed read and support other art events in general.
Perhaps there is a golden opportunity for the literary festival sponsors and organisers to get other segments of the South Africa society to attend book fairs. Also, as suggested by prolific writer and festival participant, Thando Mgqolozana, these book festivals should in fact be hosted in townships as well.
Nonetheless, a shift in mindsets by introducing a Comic Fest, as done by the organisers of the Open Book, proves that innovation usually brings in tremendous results that feed into integration and general growth of the arts. It is precisely for this reason I wish to write solely about the comic book segment of the Open Book Festival, from a specific point of view of course.
The Comic Fest attracted a large number of illustrators and comic material creators. The Homecoming Centre, which is where the comic creatives were housed, was teeming with people who either came to buy the many books that were on display, or to have the authors sign their books. Many other patrons came to buy and even learn more about the comic books. I was one such person...
CONTINUE READING THIS ARTICLE HERE.
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