Reading for the Future: read Future

Programme(s): Creative Europe Programme (CREA)
Topic: CREA-CULT-2024-LIT
Type of action: CREA Lump Sum Grants
Project ID: 101192127

Objective: READING for the future project presents the ultimate literary package in order to meet the challenges written word is facing today. It sets out to meet these priorities by promoting multilingualism, addressing the needs of the translation sector and mitigating the alarming state of reading habits among the younger generations. In order to fulfil this mission, it will encourage transnational circulation and diversity of works by translating, promoting and distributing 12 works of contemporary European fiction, 9 of which are written in less widely spoken languages. Special activities in this project will develop and reach a large readership among young people in two distinct areas. Firstly, in two seasons students from 11 high-schools will read 8 books that represent the best of contemporary European literary fiction recognized by their French, Finnish, Norwegian, Italian and Dutch peers. Secondly, through one season of workshops language students will practice translation and learn from accomplished professionals by working on novels that received the most prestigious literary prizes: Nobel Prize for Literature, Prix Goncourt, Augustpriset and Libris Literatuur Prijs. Furthermore, the project promotes and preserves the profession of literary translators by respecting the principles of good working conditions and fair remuneration; and including a translator's afterword in every book. Finally, these activities will be promoted in brick and mortar bookshops and libraries thus further strengthening the book value chain. READING for the future project presents twelve books whose authors, each in their own masterful way, bring forth the ubiquitous themes of today: identity, security, diversity, suppressed struggles and failed illusions. Overall, this project encourages cooperation between translators, authors, publishers, editors, high-school students, education sector, university professors and language students in order to fully unleash the power of literature.