Connected by Stories: CBS

Programme(s): Creative Europe Programme (CREA)
Topic: CREA-CULT-2024-LIT
Type of action: CREA Lump Sum Grants
Project ID: 101191933

Objective: The project Connected by Stories (CBS) unites 6 outstanding literary works from the lesser-used EU languages: Greek, Flemish, Icelandic, Italian, Slovenian, Ukrainian. Three of the books cater to young readers and the other three – the adult audience, encompassing both novels and poetry. The selected books are acclaimed in their countries, many have received awards. The CBS project meets both qualitative and quantitative objectives.
•Promoting the distribution of high-quality literature in Latvia by translating outstanding literary works.
•Providing an important support for 5 experienced Latvian translators who will receive fair remuneration for translating premium literature and have their names featured on the book cover, enhancing their professional recognition.
•Engaging 40 professionals – editors, proof-readers, artists, managers etc.
•Offering readers high-quality literature, empathetically addressing relevant and sensitive topics – inclusion, gender equality, sexual orientation, social status. The Latvian book publishing industry tends to stick to analogue traditional formats, but the CBS project is innovative, as it uses different channels seldom explored by publishers. The obvious choice of the digital environment is determined by audience accessibility.
•It is planned to reach a wide audience through media (616 037+), social media creators (35 000+), online school management system (~15 000 families, 25 000 teachers), e-mail marketing (1000+ emails), urban advertisements (120 digital screens).
•In the digital environment, audience will be targeted through a literary podcast (18-24 episodes), a video series (30 episodes), quizzes (at least 6). •Analogue engagement strategies include participation in local and international exhibitions (audience ~150 000), collaboration with print media (64 000+) and radio (300 000+), etc. Direct contact with readers through a unique art exhibition as part of the CBS project in at least 8 Latvian libraries (88,520+).