FLF ready to inspire at Bologna Children's Book Fair
This year, the Flemish Literature Fund (FLF) will once again be present at the international children's book fair of Bologna, from 22 to 26 March. The FLF heads to Italy with a full schedule of meetings with foreign publishers, and it takes along two illustrators on its journey. Furthermore, there's the new catalogue ‘Dutch en Flemish Inspiration', which will be presented at the fair.
Festive launch of four Flemish picture books in India
The FLF is proud that the first translations of Flemish picture books in India have been launched successfully!
Four books were translated into Hindi: ‘Rikki' by Guido Van Genechten, ‘Slaap lekker, Rosalie' (Sweet dreams, Rosalie) by Brigitte Minne and An Candaele, ‘Vogeltjelief' (Sweet birdie) by Kristien Aertssen and ‘Willy' by Geert De Kockere and Carll Cneut.
Second publishers tour a great success
Foreign guests of FLF show great interest in Flemish children's books and youth novels
From 22 to 26 February 2010, the Flemish Literature Fund (FLF) received nine prominent foreign publishers of children's and youth literature. The FLF organized its second publishers tour during which it treated its guests to a journey through the fascinating world of Flemish children's and youth literature.
Literary Translation Summer Course focuses on South America
From 16 to 27 August 2010, the ELV organizes its yearly Literary Translation Summer Course in Antwerp. This year, the course is open to translators from Dutch into Portuguese and Spanish, both with a focus on South America.
Per language, a group of 6 to 7 students will be formed. A selection procedure, including a sample translation, will determine which candidates will attend the course.
Stefan Brijs invited in Paris
On 26 March, the Paris-based Institut Néerlandais and Flemish-Dutch association Ons Erfdeel organize a literary evening featuring recently translated Dutch-language novels. The event will take place during the yearly book fair Salon du Livre. Flemish author Stefan Brijs and his Dutch colleagues Charlotte Mutsaers and Thomas Lieske are the guests of the evening. They will debate with Margot Dijkgraaf, literary critic for Dutch newspaper NRC Handelsblad and director of the Academic and Cultural Centre SPUI25.
Flemish authors on longlist Gouden Uil Award
The longlists for the Gouden Uil (Golden Owl) Awards for Literary Fiction and Children's and Youth Literature were announced on Wednesday 24 February. Amongst the fourteen nominees for Literary Fiction are five Flemish authors: Saskia de Coster, Hilde Keteleer, Tom Lanoye, Bart Meuleman and Peter Terrin.
Kathleen Vereecken and André Sollie win Book Lion and Book Peacock Awards 2010
On 24 February, the winners of the awards for best author and best illustrator of children's and youth books were announced.
The Boekenleeuw (Book Lion) 2010 goes to author Kathleen Vereecken for her youth novel ‘Ik denk dat het liefde was' (I think it was love, Lannoo). Vereecken's novel tells the gripping story of Leon, supposedly the son of famous writer and philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau.
‘Grenzenlos Schreiben' : childrens' and youth theatre in Duisburg
The Kaas&Kappes Festival hosts a meeting of authors under the title ‘Grenzenlos Schreiben'. This event is part of the Ruhr.2010 programme in cooperation with the Theatre Institute of the Netherlands (TIN). ‘Grenzenlos Schreiben' will take place on Friday afternoon 5 March 2010 at the KOM'MA Theatre in Duisburg, Germany.
Go West 2010 - Theatre from Flanders and the Netherlands
From 25 to 28 February, the second Go West Festival takes place at the Oldenburg State Theatre (Germany). The festival features theatre plays from Flandres and the Netherlands.
The European Ghost Literary Project is looking for stories
The 'European Ghost Literary Project' is looking to gather as many stories as possible which are based on European myths, folk tales and legends. The goal is to tell a story of European history and culture from Portugal to Russia, from Iceland to Turkey. The collected stories will be published as a book.
Flemish historical novels in the picture
The Flemish Literature Fund (FLF) has invited six Flemish authors to speak about their recently published historical youth novels and what inspired them to write these stories. The authors' programme is one of many activities which have been planned during the Publishers' Tour for children's and youth literature organized by the FLF. The Publishers' Tour will take place from 22 to 26 February. Nine foreign publishers will be welcomed in Flanders and treated to a genuine ‘Flemish children's and youth literature bath'.
Nominations Flemish awards for children's books 2010
Ten authors and eight illustrators are nominated for the important Boekenleeuw and Boekenpauw awards 2009. On 24 February, the winners will be announced.
The Boekenleeuw (Book Lion) is awarded to the author of the best children's and youth book of the past year. In addition, four authors are to receive a Boekenwelp (Book Cub), an honorary award. Ten out of 100 titles are nominated.
Graphic novel Marc Legendre features on Words Without Borders
Traditionally, in its February issue the online magazine for international literature Words Without Borders celebrates graphic novels. Among the fragments are the first 20 pages of 'Waiting for an Island' by de Flemish comics artist Marc Legendre, translated into English by David Colmer, with the support of the Flemish Literature Fund.
Peter Theunynck in the picture on Poetry International Web
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In its February issue, the international poetry website Poetry International Web will focus on Flemish poet Peter Theunynck. Willem Groenewegen translated a selection from a number of poetry collections into English, amongst others the poem ‘Nijlpaarden' ('Hippopotami') from the prize-winning collection ‘Man in Manhattan'. Poet, critic and editor Kurt De Boodt wrote a portrait of the writer.
Award ceremony Prix des Phares du Nord in Paris
On 29 January, the Prix des Phares du Nord was awarded to Anita Concas for her translation of Kader Abdolah's novel 'Het huis van de moskee' (‘The house of the mosque'). Concas received the translator's award from Dutch ambassador Hugo Siblesz and Flemish representative Nic Vandermarliere. Following the award ceremony, the Institut Néerlandais hosted a dinner party in the presence of author Kader Abdolah.
International comics scene takes Flemish authors seriously
The French public and the international comics scene are taking the work of Flemish comics artists seriously. This became clear during the 37th edition of the international comics festival of Angoulême, which ended Sunday evening, 31 January 2010. Last year, Flanders was guest-of-honour at the festival, featuring highlights such as the remarkable exposition ‘Ceci n'est pas la BD flamande' and a typically Flemish pub where comic books were for sale. This year, the pub was again located in the same place, attracting a lot of attention. Many French and foreign publishers visited the Flemish booth and showed an interest in new Flemish titles.
Five Flemish authors on longlist Libris Literature Prize
The longlist of the Libris Literature Prize includes no less than five titles by Flemish authors. A total of eighteen novels were selected from 200 entries. Along with thirteen Dutch novels, these are the Flemish contenders:
• ‘Terug naar Walden' (Back to Walden) by Walter van den Broeck
• ‘Kleine dagen' (Small days) by Bernard Dewulf
• ‘Sprakeloos' (Speechless) by Tom Lanoye
• ‘De bewaker' (The guard) by Peter Terrin
• ‘Vissen redden' (Saving fish) by Annelies Verbeke
Paul Bogaert wins Herman de Coninck Award
‘Slalom soft', the fourth volume by Paul Bogaert, is the winner of the Herman de Coninck Award for the best poetry collection of 2009. The prize is worth 6,000 euro. The other nominees were Eva Cox, Charles Ducal, Leonard Nolens and Roel Richelieu Van Londersele.
The prize for the best debut of the past year went to ‘Grote smerige vlinder' (Big filthy butterfly) by Andy Fierens. ‘Mats' by the former city poet of Ghent, Roel Richelieu Van Londersele, was chosen by the public as the best poem of 2009.
Translators House Antwerp celebrates one year of success
On 25 January, the Flemish Literature Fund (FLF), together with the Art and Heritage Department of the Ministry of Culture and the city of Antwerp, celebrated the first anniversary of the Translators House Antwerp during a dinner party.
The dinner party was an ideal moment for the translators, authors, professors and policy makers to meet. In his speech, Michaël Vandebril of Antwerpen Boekenstad underlined the importance of the Translators House within the literary programme of the city. FLF-director Carlo Van Baelen stressed the positive effects of the integration of the Translators House in the FLF's international policy. Translators Daniel Cunin (France) and Gheorghe Nicolaescu (Rumania) read excerpts from their translations.
Second Flemish invasion at comics festival in Angoulême
FLF reopens ‘Flemish pub', brings along five authors and organizes 'soirée flamande'
After last year's success story, the Flemish comic book will again be present at the International Comics Festival in Angoulême (France). The festival takes place from Thursday 28 to Sunday 31 January. The Flemish Literature Fund (FLF) reopens its typically Flemish pub 'Chez les Flamands', where both translated and original Dutch-language work by Flemish artists will be available. At the pub tables, the FLF will be meeting with over thirty foreign publishers and organizers of festivals, Flemish publishers will be selling the foreign rights to their titles and about ten Flemish authors will be signing their works.
Launch French version of ‘The Angel Maker' by Stefan Brijs
‘Le Faiseur d'anges', the French translation of Stefan Brijs' novel ‘De engelenmaker' (‘The Angel Maker') will appear on 21 January with the support of the Flemish Literature Fund. It is published by Héloïse d'Ormesson, a Paris-based publishing house and translated by Daniel Cunin. Cunin, who previously translated works from amongst others Annelies Verbeke and Bart Moeyaert, is a guest at the Translators' House in Antwerp.
Hugo Claus on longlist Best Translated Book Award
‘Wonder', the American translation of ‘De verwondering' by Hugo Claus, features on the longlist of the Best Translated Book Award. This is one of the most important translation prizes for literature in the English-language territory. The prize is instituted by Three Percent, a resource for international literature at the University of Rochester. The aim is to generate attention for foreign literature in English translation.
Nominations Herman de Coninck Award 2010
The shortlist of the Herman de Coninck Award 2010 has been announced. The expert jury has nominated the following poets: Paul Bogaert, Eva Cox, Charles Ducal, Leonard Nolens and Roel Richelieu van Londersele. The award ceremony will take place in the Antwerp Arenberg theatre on 28 January.
Judith Vanistendael nominated in Angoulême
‘La jeune fille et le nègre. Tome 2 Babette et Sophie', the French translation of Judith Vanistendael's sequel of ‘De Maagd en de Neger' (The virgin and the negro), has a chance at winning one of the prestigious prizes which will be awarded during the international comics festival in Angoulême.
Isabelle Vandenabeele wins Illustrarte 2009
Illustrarte, a bi-annual exhibition of international illustrations in Portugal, has elected Isabelle Vandenabeele as the winner of the competition. Vandenabeele will receive 5,000 euro. Other Flemish illustrators who have been chosen to participate in the exhibition are Klaas Verplancke, Tom Schamp, Kaatje Vermeire and Gudrun Makelberge.
Five Flemish comics artists to attend Angoulême festival
Flemish Literature Fund builds on last year's success
Five comics artists are to accompany the Flemish Literature Fund (FLF) at the international comics festival in Angoulême (France). Pieter De Poortere, Jeroen Janssen, Kristof Spaey, Charel Cambré and Sebastien Conard will stay in the French capital of comics from 28 to 31 January.
Paul Baeten Gronda and Joost Vandecasteele on shortlist Academica Debutantenprijs
Two Flemish authors made the shortlist of the Academica Debutantenprijs (Academica Award for best debut): Paul Baeten Gronda for ‘Nemen wij dan samen afscheid van de liefde' (Let us together say farewell to love) and Joost Vandecasteele for ‘Hoe de wereld perfect functioneert zonder mij' (How the world functions perfectly fine without me).
Lieve Joris presents ‘The melancholy revolution' in Budapest
On 14 December, ‘Melankolikus forradalom', the Hungarian translation of ‘De melancholieke revolutie' (The melancholy revolution) by Lieve Joris, will be presented to the public at the Szabó Ervin Library in Budapest. The book was translated by Krisztina Törő and published by Gondalat Publisher at the occasion of the twentieth anniversary of the fall of communism.
Stijn Devillé wins Taalunie Award for Drama 2009
On 30 November, Flemish author and director Stijn Devillé received the Taalunie Toneelschrijfprijs 2009 for his play 'Hitler is dood' (Hitler is dead).The prize is worth 10.000 euro.
Anita Concas wins Phares du Nord Translation Award 2009
The Prix des Phares du Nord 2009 goes to Anita Concas for her translation into French of ‘Het huis van de Moskee' by Kader Abdolah (‘La maison de la mosquée', Paris: Gallimard, 2008), yet explicitly also for her complete translation works. The jury consisted of Danielle Bourgois, Margot Dijkgraaf and Annie Kroon.
Annelies Verbeke nominated for BNG New Literature Prize
Annelies Verbeke made the shortlist of the BNG Nieuwe Literatuur Prijs (BNG New Literature Prize). The Flemish author is nominated for her recent novel ‘Vissen Redden' (Saving fish), a story about heartache. The main character is depressed and decides to break with the past when her boyfriend leaves her. In an attempt to fight her sorrow, she engages in the battle against overfishing.
Erwin Mortier wins AKO Literature Prize 2009
On 10 November, Flemish author Erwin Mortier received the prestigious AKO Literature Prize for ‘Godenslaap' (Divine sleep). The novel, published by De Bezige Bij, in which an old lady look backs on her life, ties the great history of the First World War to the lives of ordinary people. It balances between historiography and prose.
Stefan Brijs nominated for International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award
‘The Angel Maker', the English translation of ‘De engelenmaker' by Stefan Brijs, figures on the longlist for the prestigious International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award. This is the largest and most international award of its kind. Libraries from all over the world may nominate novels from any language, as long as they're also available in English. The award was founded by the city of Dublin, the Irish government and a company, IMPAC USA.
Van Istendael and Lasters on Poetry International Web
In November, Flemish poets Geert van Istendael and Ruth Lasters will be introduced to the international public on Poetry International Web (PIW).
A browse through 20 defiant comic worlds
The acclaimed three-dimensional comic exhibition ‘Ceci n'est pas la BD flamande' now has a virtual twin. It consists of an interactive platform which allows the visitor to enter the worlds of 20 Flemish comic artists by a simple mouse click.
Good times for Flemish titles in Frankfurt
The 61st edition of the Frankfurter Buchmesse introduced China as guest-of-honour with ‘Tradition and Innovation' as a headline. New market evolutions such as digitalization were the centre of focus. The economic crisis was less tangible than last year. Foreign publishers purchased Flemish titles which had been on the table for a while and showed a broad interest in new books. Furthermore, the Flemish Literature Fund (FLF) broadened its horizon to new markets such as Japan, India and Argentina.
Brecht Evens wins Plastieken Plunk Award
The second Plastieken Plunk award went to Brecht Evens for his short story ‘Handen uit de mouwen' (Shoulder to the wheel). The prize rewards the best short comics story of the past year. Evens follows Pinda, who was the first to win the award in 2008. The winner receives 250 euro and a figure sculpted by Luc Cromheecke, author of the Plunk comics series.
Peter Verhelst and ‘The secret of the nightingale's throat' win Gouden Griffel Award
On 6 October, Peter Verhelst received the Gouden Griffel 2009 for ‘The secret of the Nightingale's throat'. The Gouden Griffel is one of the most important literary prizes for children's books in the Low Countries. It is awarded to the best Dutch-language children's book of the past year.
Simone Lenaerts winner Debut Prize 2009
Simone Lenaerts wins the Debut Prize 2009 for her novel ‘Zeewater is zout, zeggen ze' (Seawater's salt, they say), published by De Geus. Boek.be yearly awards the Debut Prize to the best Flemish literary debut in adult fiction. Lenaerts will receive the prize during the opening ceremony of the Antwerp Book Fair on 30 October.
10 years Lyrikline
This year, the international poetry website lyrikline.org celebrates its 10th anniversary.
Lyrikline.org is the platform on the internet on which poems are available to listen to, and to read both in their original languages and various translations: a concert of verse in the voices and languages of the authors. By now the website contains 580 poets and 5300 poems in 49 languages as well as 6400 translations in as many languages! From Flanders, you can find poems by classic masters such as Hugo Claus, Paul Snoek and Christine D'Haen as well as by contemporary poets, such as Leonard Nolens, Miriam Van hee and Dirk van Bastelaere.
Annelies Verbeke and Stefan Brijs to visit Turkey
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Until June 2010, the Goethe Institute of Istanbul organises a European project, called ‘Yollarda - European Literature Goes to Turkey/Turkish Literature Goes to Europe'. The arts tour invites European writers whose books have been translated into Turkish, to present their work in Turkey. Belgium will participate in November with Annelies Verbeke and Stefan Brijs.
Willy Linthout to attend London Comica Festival
On Monday 23 November, Willy Linthout, will be attending the Comica Festival, a London-based international comics event. Linthout, in Flanders best known for his ‘Urbanus' comic book series, will be in conversation about his autobiographical graphic novel ‘Years of the Elephant' with former Children's Laureate Michael Rosen. Rosen wrote about his own son's death in ‘The Sad Book', beautifully illustrated by Quentin Blake.
Arabic version of ‘Slaap!' by Annelies Verbeke
‘Slaap!' (Sleep), the debut novel of Flemish author Annelies Verbeke will be translated into Arabic. Syrian-Lebanese publishing house Dar Cadmus will publish the book with the support of the Flemish Literature Fund.
Kaas&Kappes Festival competition
The Kaas&Kappes Festival urges authors of theatre texts for children and young adults to enter their yearly competition. On 7 March 2010, the 12th Dutch-German prize for the best theatre text for children and youth will be awarded during the Kaas&Kappes Festival in Duisburg, Germany. The winner will receive 7.500 euro.
Publication ‘A Literary History of the Low Countries'
After more than 30 years, ‘A Literary History of the Low Countries' offers an updated overview in English of the history of Dutch-language literature. Anglo-Saxon students of Dutch and other interested parties previously had to consult the overview written by Meijer in 1971. The new reference book was edited by Theo Hermans, professor of Dutch at the University College London, and includes contributions made by authors such as Frits van Oostrom, Herman Pleij, Ton Anbeek, Anne Marie Musschoot and Jaap Goedegebuure.
Create your own picture book with illustrations by Sebasiaan Van Doninck
The Flemish illustrator Sebastiaan Van Doninck was chosen by a Canadian website for their Storybird concept. That allows children and their parents to create quite easily their own picture books online.
Six Flemish authors on longlist AKO Literature Prize
The longlist of the AKO Literature Prize was made public at Manuscripta, the opening event of the Dutch book season. Amongst the 25 nominees are six Flemish writers: Erwin Mortier for ‘Godenslaap' (Divine sleep), Dimitri Verhulst for ‘Godverdomse dagen op een godverdomse bol' (Goddamn days on a goddamn globe), Bart Moeyaert for ‘Graz', Geert Buelens for ‘Europa, Europa!', Erik Vlaminck for ‘Suikerspin' (Candy floss) and Joris Note for ‘Tegen het einde' (Towards the end).
Erwin Mortier wins Tzum Award 2009
Flemish author Erwin Mortier wrote the most beautiful sentence in narrative prose of 2008. It made him the eighth winner of the Tzum Prize, awarded by the literary review by the same name.
Sam Garrett wins Vondel Translation Prize 2009
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The Vondel Translation Prize 2009 goes to Sam Garrett for his English translation of ‘Ararat' by Dutch travel writer Frank Westerman. Francis R. Jones received an honourable mention for ‘What It Is', a translation of selected poems by Esther Jansma. The award ceremony will take place at Kings Palace in London on 11 January 2010.
Chika Unigwe in Kenya
Chika Unigwe attended the Storymoja Hay Festival in Kenya from 30 July to 2 August. Unigwe was invited in relation to the publication of ‘On Black Sisters' Street', the English translation of ‘Fata Morgana'. Unigwe participated in several programmes.
Literary translators tackle graphic novels
The yearly summer course of the Centre of Expertise for Literary Translation (ELV) is taking on a new challenge: the translation of graphic novels. At the request of the Flemish Literature Fund (FLF), a three-day workshop ‘Translating graphic novels from Dutch into French and English' has been added to the course. From 17 to 19 August, eleven literary translators will discuss the particularities of translating graphic novels.
‘New constellations' on PIW
The August issue of Poetry International Web (PIW) will introduce Peter Verhelst to the foreign poetry lover. Astrid van Baalen translated a selection of his latest poetry collection, ‘Nieuwe sterrenbeelden' (New constellations), into English. The collection was awarded the Dutch Jan Campert Prize as well as the Flemish Herman de Coninck Award. Poetry critic Cathérine de Kock wrote a portrait of the author.
Belgian poetry evening in Paris
On 29 September, the Parisian Maison de la Poésie organizes a Belgian evening titled ‘Moi, j'aime la Belgique'. Renowned French poet Jacques Darras, acclaimed for his translation of Walt Whitman's 'Leaves of Grass', will be the host of the event.
'Allemaal willen we de hemel' sold to Spain and Norway
Els Beerten's highly acclaimed youth novel sets out to conquer the world
‘Allemaal willen we de hemel' (We all want heaven) will appear in Spanish and Norwegian. Publishing houses Grup 62 and Cappelen Damm both reached an agreement with Beerten's Dutch publisher, Querido.
Els Beerten's novel tells a gripping story about war in times of love, and about the destructive choices that war forces people to make. It is written in rich and vivid language, full of traditional wisdom and images that remain with the reader.
Translation grant ‘The Public Prosecutor' decisive
This Spring, Bitter Lemon Press, a London-based publishing house focusing on thrillers and roman noirs, releases ‘The Public Prosecutor' by Jef Geeraerts. The original Dutch title is ‘De PG'.
This publication is the result of multiple conversations between the Flemish Literature Fund (FLF) and Bitter Lemon Press at the book fairs of London and Frankfurt in 2007 and 2008. It was of overriding importance to the publisher that they would receive a translation grant by the FLF.
Pourveur and De Volder in Turkish
This Spring, Amsterdam-based intercultural Theatre Rast received a translation and production grant from the Flemish Literature Fund for its Turkish translation of ‘Bodypeeling' by Paul Pourveur and ‘Nachtelijk Symposium' by Eric De Volder. The theatre group plans to tour the Netherlands, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Macedonia and Turkey.
Lieve Joris wins Prix Nicolas-Bouvier
Flemish author Lieve Joris was awarded the Prix Nicolas Bouvier for her most recent work, ‘De hoogvlaktes', translated into French as ‘Les Hauts Plateaux'. The price is worth 5.000 euro and was awarded on 1 June during the French festival 'Étonnants Voyageurs de Saint-Malo'.
The book was translated by Marie Hooghe and published by Actes Sud. It is Joris' fourth title about Congo. ‘De hoogvlaktes' (The upland plains) tells the story of a seven-week hiking trip in the eastern part of the African country. Joris walked through a remote and desolate region, inhabited by farmers and Banyamulenge cattlemen who escaped the Belgian colonisation. In this barren land the memories of her village and her youth resurge.
American translation of ‘De verwondering' by Hugo Claus
‘Wonder', the American translation of Hugo Claus' ‘De verwondering', will be presented at the Flanders House in New York on 1 July.
Publisher Archipelago Books received guidance from the Flemish Literature Fund to translate this special book. The translator is Michael Henry Heim, whose previous translations include works by Günter Grass and Milan Kundera.
Leo Pleysier in Absinthe #11
The latest issue of the American literary review Absinthe features a extract from ‘Wit is altijd schoon' (White is always clean) by Flemish writer Leo Pleysier. It was translated by Hester Velmans, who has translated numerous Dutch-language books for English and American publishers. ‘The Angel Maker' by Stefan Brijs, to name a recent one.
French edition of ‘In de zon kijken' by Anne Provoost
In August, ‘Regarder le soleil', the French translation of Anne Provoost's most recent novel will be published by French publishing house Fayard. It is the first foreign edition of the book.
Lieve Joris translated into Norwegian
Lieve Joris will be in Oslo from 10 to 13 June to present the Norwegian translation of ‘Dans van de luipaard' (Dance of the leopard) published by Aschehoug. It is her first novel to be translated into Norwegian.
Joris will give a reading and interviews at the House of Literature in Oslo. She will furthermore attend a seminar which is organized by her publisher.
Peter Holvoet-Hanssen at biggest poetry festival in the world
From 4 to 11 July Flemish poet Peter Holvoet-Hanssen will be attending the International Poetry Festival of Medellín, Colombia. With 35.000 visitors it is the biggest poetry festival in the world.
Philip Paquet at Osvaldo comics festival
From 11 to 20 June Philip Paquet will attend the Osvaldo comics festival in Italy. Paquet drew the poster of the festival and will exhibit work from ‘Snapshots' and ‘Louis Armstrong', two of his jazz-themed graphic novels. He will furthermore participate in readings and drawing concerts.
Flanders guest-of-honour at Vilenica literature festival
In 2009 the focus of the international literature festival of Vilenica, Slovenia, will be on Flanders.
Five Flemish authors have been invited to attend the 24th edition of the well-known festival which will take place in September. A good half year after the Flemish graphic novelists left their mark at the French Angoulême festival, it seems that the Flemish novelists and poets are about to take Slovenia with a whirl of translations. In one year's time ten Flemish titles are released in Slovenian.
Miriam Van hee charms Japanese poet
The Flemish Literature Fund (FLF) is the Belgian partner of Poetry International Web, the international poetry website that presents poets from over 40 countries. The FLF posted amongst others the works of Miriam Van hee. Van hee's poems caught the attention of renowned Japanese poet and author Yasuhiro Yotsumoto.
Flemish authors win important literary awards
The Gouden Uil (Golden Owl) and the Libris Literature Prize, two of the most important awards for Dutch-language literature, were awarded in May. Among the winners were quite a few Flemish writers.
English translation of ‘100% Lena' by Stefan Boonen
‘100% Lena', the acclaimed youth novel by Stefan Boonen, recently made its appearance on the American market. The English translation is titled ‘Totally Lisa'. The book is published by Clavis, which opened a New York office in 2008 to publish their own releases in the United States.
Gezelle and van Tongele on Poetry International Web
During the month of May the international poetry website Poetry International Web (PIW) will focus on two poets from Flanders: Guido Gezelle (1830-1899) and Mark van Tongele.
Stefan Hertmans at poetry festival in Frankfurt
Stefan Hertmans has been invited to attend the second international poetry festival held in Frankfurt in May. On 15 May he will read from the German translation of his work.
Rachida Lambaret in Budapest
The First Novel Festival in Budapest is an annually recurring event which takes places during the book fair. Since 2004 the Flemish Literature Fund invites a new author to take part in the event. This year it was Rachida Lambaret's turn.
Rachida Lambaret is the author of the collection of short stories ‘Een kind van God' (A child of God) and the novel ‘Vrouwland' (Woman country), for which she won the Flemish Debut Prize in 2008. On 25 April, Lambaret shared the stage with a dozen authors from as many different European countries.
The FLF at the London Book Fair
The London Book Fair took place from 20 to 22 April. The fair is increasingly seen as one of the leading forums of the international book trade, not only for the English-speaking market. Despite of the economic crisis, the number of visitors increased. Three staff members of the Flemish Literature Fund (FLF) attended the fair to promote all genres of Flemish literature.
Bologna embraces Flemish prize winners
‘We all want heaven' and ‘The secret of the nightingale's throat', two of this year's most acclaimed children's books in Flanders and the Netherlands, continued their success story in Bologna.
Moeyaert and van Ranst nominated for Deutscher Jugendliteraturpreis
Five Dutch-language authors are nominated for the Deutscher Jugendliteraturpreis. Amongst them the Flemish Bart Moeyaert and Do van Ranst. The German Youth Literature Prize is anually awarded to German-language books in four categories: an illustrated book, a children's book, a young adult novel and a non-fiction book. An additional prize is awarded by the German children's and youth jury.
Peter Verhelst and Carll Cneut receive Woutertje Pieterse Prize
A week after winning the Book Feather (Boekenpluim) and the Book Cub (Boekenwelp), ‘The secret of the nightingale's throat' gets the Woutertje Pieterse Prize. The prize is awarded to the best Dutch-language children's or youth book that is remarkable for its language, content, illustrations and lay-out.
'Allemaal willen we de hemel' by Els Beerten wins Book Lion Award 2009
The winners of the awards for best author and best illustrator of children's and youth books were announced.
The Boekenleeuw (Book Lion) 2009 goes to author Els Beerten for her youth novel ‘Allemaal willen we de hemel' (We all want heaven - Querido). Els Beerten's gripping novel is about war in times of love and about the destructive choices war forces people to make. It appeals to young readers (+15) and adults alike.
Summer course Literary Translation 2009: Japanese and Chinese
From 17 to 28 August 2009 the ELV organizes its yearly Literary Translation summer course in Antwerp. This year, the course is open to translators from Dutch into Chinese and Japanese. Per language, a group of 6 to 7 students will be formed. A selection procedure, including a sample translation, will determine which candidates will attend the course.
For more information on how to apply, please visit the Dutch webpage.
Winners Herman de Coninck award 2009
On 29 January during the Poetry Evening in Antwerp, the winners of the prestigious Herman de Coninck award were announced.
Nominations Flemish awards for children's books 2009
17 authors en 9 illustrators are nominated for the important Boekenleeuw and Boekenpauw awards 2009. On 25 February, the winners will be announced.
Awards for Anne Provoost, Willy Linthout and Ina Rilke
The Cultuurprijzen Vlaanderen (Flemish Community Prizes for Culture) for 2008 were awarded on Monday 2 February. Individuals and organisations from different cultural sectors were celebrated for their outstanding contributions to the cultural scene. Among the winners were writer Anne Provoost, comic author Willy Linthout and translator Ina Rilke.
Els Moors and Paul Bogaert in Leipzig
From 12 to 14 March, young Flemish poets Els Moors and Paul Bogaert will be guests in the German city of Leipzig.
Moors and Bogaert have been invited by the Leipzig-based literary periodical Edit. Edit is organising various poetry programmes with Moors, Bogaert and a number of other foreign and German poets. There will be two poetry evenings at the international literature festival Leipzig Liest as well as a poetry programme at the Leipziger Buchmesse.
Flemish poets on Poetry International Web
In February, the international poetry website Poetry International Web will be focusing on two classic poets from Flanders: Hugo Claus and Gaston Burssens.
Madrid welcomes Stefan Brijs and Geert Kimpen
Brijs and Kimpen to promote the Spanish translation of ‘The Angel Maker' and ‘ The Cabbalist'.
On 24 February, at the invitation of his Spanish publisher Alianza, Stefan Brijs will be talking with Camilo José Cela Conde, son of Spanish Nobel Prize winner Camilo José Cela. The occasion is the publication of the Spanish translation of Brijs' book ‘The Angel Maker'.
Paul Verhaeghen to attend Jewish Book Week
This year, the London Jewish Book Week festival has invited Paul Verhaeghen, who will be doing a public reading from his novel 'Omega Minor' on March 1st, 2009.
Successful launch comic artists in Angoulême
During the 36th edition of the comic festival in Angoulême the international crowd was captivated by Flemish comic art. Result: plenty of media attention, high sales numbers, contract negotiations with foreign publishing houses and hence ecstatic authors.
The Flemish Literature Fund went all the way. Even the authors got involved. They took part in signing sessions, interviews, drawing concerts and they presented their work to foreign publishers.
German Waltraud Hüsmert receives Else Otten Translation Award 2008
The Else Otten Übersetzerpreis 2008 is awarded to translator Waltraud Hüsmert for her German translation of ‘The sorrow of Belgium' by Hugo Claus. The prize involves 5.200 euro and is awarded bi-annually by the Flemish Literature Fund and the Foundation for the Production and Translation of Dutch Literature (NLPVF) to the best translation into German of a Dutch-language literary title.
Waltraud Hüsmert has been translating Dutch-language novels and poetry for almost twenty years. She boasts an impressive list of translations: from Hugo Claus to Hella Haasse, Willem Frederik Hermans, Thomas Rosenboom, Maarten 't Hart, Tessa de Loo, Willem Elsschot, Erwin Mortier, and many others. A complete list of her translations can be found in our translation database.
Nominations Herman de Coninck Award 2009
A professional jury nominated Johan de Boose, Luuk Gruwez, Herman Leenders, Bart Meuleman and Peter Verhelst out of 37 candidates. On January 29th, organizer Boek.be will announce the winner of the award.
International translation colloquium in Algiers
‘Translating and living together', an international colloquium about literary translation will take place in Algiers (Algeria) from 2 to 4 December.
Mamma Medea in Barcelona
‘Mamma Medea', the internationally most-renowned play by Tom Lanoye, premieres in Barcelona on Saturday 29 November. The play will be on the bill of the Teatre Romea for two months.
The translation into Catalan was funded by the Flemish Literature Fund.
Paul Verhaeghen nominated for IMPAC Dublin Award
The longlist for the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award includes Paul Verhaeghen's novel ‘Omega Minor', which he translated into English himself. The award is the largest and most international prize of its kind. It involves libraries from all corners of the globe, and is open to books written in any language provided that they have also been published in English.
Verhaeghen is the only Belgian author on the list. In May 2008 he won the Independent Foreign Fiction Prize.
Translators' Day in Moskow
Translator Irina Trofimova and the Dutch Embassy in Moscow will host a meeting between Russian literary translators and publishers on 16 December. The FLF and NLPVF will attend the event and provide information on recent publications, translation and production grants, and the Translators' Houses in Amsterdam and Antwerp.
FLF awarded for its support to Flemish comics
The StripVos is a yearly award given by the Flemish Independent Comics Union (Vlaamse Onafhankelijke Stripgilde) to an organization that has given great support to the Flemish comics world. This year, the members of the Comics Union voted for the Flemish Literature Fund.
'Woman country' by Rachida Lamrabet sold to Germany
The first results of meetings with foreign publishers at the Frankfurter Buchmesse are showing. The German translation rights for Rachida Lambaret's novel 'Woman country' were sold to Luchterhand (München).
Paul Verhaeghen nominated for IMPAC Dublin Award
The longlist for the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award includes Paul Verhaeghen's novel ‘Omega Minor', which he translated into English himself. The award is the largest and most international prize of its kind. It involves libraries from all corners of the globe, and is open to books written in any language provided that they have also been published in English.
Verhaeghen is the only Belgian author on the list. In May 2008 he won the Independent Foreign Fiction Prize.
Problemski Hotel by Dimitri Verhulst translated into Portugese
Dimitri Verhulst's 'Hotel Problemski', in a translation by Arie Pos, now joins Geert Kimpen's 'O Cabalista' on the shelves of Portugese bookstores. Publisher Mercado de Letras achieved a first: the book was selected by the UNESCO as a 'representative title' and is hence published with an introduction by UN High Commissioner for Refugees, António Guterres.
Winners Literature Prize of the Flemish Provinces
• Winner in the youth category: ‘Jonkvrouw'(‘Milady') by authors Jean-claude van Rijckeghem and Pat van Beirs
• Winner in the children's category: ‘Vos en Haas en de dief van lek' (‘Fox and Hare and the thief') by Sylvia vanden Heede
Judith Vanistendael nominated in Angoulême
‘La jeune fille et le nègre', the French translation of Judith Vanistendael's first graphic novel has a shot at winning one of the seven prestigious prizes that will be awarded at the international comics festival of Angoulême (France).
Literary encounters in Nantes
Holland and Flanders guests-of-honour at literary festival in Nantes (France)
French organisation Impressions d'Europe is the host of the annual literary festival in Nantes which presents European literary encounters. The 4th edition of the Rencontres littéraires européennes showcases the Dutch-language region with support from the Flemish Literature Fund and the Foundation for the Production and Translation of Dutch Literature (NLPVF). Last year's festival welcomed the Scandinavian countries.
Flanders guest-of-honour at Angoulême 2009
The 36th edition of the International Comics Festival has a Flemish touch. The Flemish Literature Fund (FLF) will introduce the general public to the new generation of Flemish cartoonists by means of an exhibition. In addition, there can be no denying the prominent presence of the Flemish comic strip, also among publishers and in the street scene.
Focus low in Berlin
This year's edition of the Zebra Poetry Film Festival in Berlin has a special focus on the low countries. ‘Focus Low' presents entries from Flanders and the Netherlands. Eleven animation films from the Dichtvorm-project of the Brussels production house S.O.I.L. were selected from over 1000 entries from all corners of the world. Moreover, three Flemish poetry films will be in the competition.
Tom Lanoye at the 62nd Festival of Avignon
Geert Van Istendael in Czech Republic
On 19 October Geert Van Istendael will read from his work at the 'Krásny ztráty' literary café in Prague. The author was invited by his Czech publisher Lidové and NeBe (Association for Flemish and Dutch culture) to present 'Mijn Nederland' (My Netherlands) which is published in a Czech translation by Jana Pellarová.
Le marathon des mots
Brussels-based non-profit organization ‘Littérature à voix haute' (Literature out loud) organizes a literary festival on 3, 4 and 5 October: ‘Le marathon des mots' (Marathon of words). Authors Joseph Pearce and Kristien Hemmerechts will attend the programme on 5 October at Passa Porta. Actors will read from French translations of their books.
Paul Verhaeghen wins the Independent Foreign Fiction Prize 2008
On May 8th, at the Serpentine Gallery in London, British newspaper The Independent announced that 'Omega Minor' by the Flemish author Paul Verhaeghen was the winner of its Independent Foreign Fiction Prize (IFFP) 2008.
The prize is awarded annually to the best contemporary book in English translation by a living author. It includes an award of 10,000 British pound (roughly 13,500 euro), to be divided between the author and the translator. Paul Verhaeghen translated the novel himself, which was recognised by The Independent as being exceptional.
Colouring Outside the Lines in Sarmede
Colouring Outside the Lines, the exhibition of Flemish illustrators, continues its European tour in Sarmede (Italy). After its premiere in Bologna, and passing by Saarbrücken, Munich and Cologne (Germany), Rotterdam (The Netherlands), Mechelen, Namen and Antwerp (Belgium), Barreiro (Portugal), Budapest (Hungary), Cambridge (United Kingdom) and Paris (France), the exhibition is back where it all began: in Italy.
Guido Van Genechten gets the imperial treatment in Japan
World-renowned children's books illustrator Guido Van Genechten received a travel grant by the Flemish Literature Fund to attend the International Tokyo Book Fair, which took place from July 10th to 13th. His Flemish and Japanese publishers, Clavis and Froebel Kan, had organised quite an impressive program for the illustrator, including signing sessions at book stores and a reading for a professional audience.
Summer course 'Literary Translation'
From 25 August to 5 September, the Centre of Expertise for Literary Translation (ELV or Expertisecentrum Literair Vertalen), together with the Flemish Literature Fund (FLF)and the Dutch Foundation for the Production and Translation of Dutch Literature (NLPVF), organized its yearly summer course for literary translators at the Lessius College in Antwerp. The course alternately takes place in Antwerp and Utrecht.
