Literary festival enables participants to delve into its significant theme

Chow speaking to the audience during the launch of the GTLF.

THE George Town Literary Festival (GTLF) is seeing its largest edition featuring 100 participants from over 23 countries.

Seizing the International Excellence Awards 2018 for Literary Festival at The London Book Fair this year, GTLF is also seeing another first as the only literary festival in Southeast Asia to be given the honour.

GTLF director Bernice Chauly said the participants would delve into the theme of ‘The State of Freedom’ following the birth of a new government.

“This is truly a significant moment as 2018 witnessed the true spirit of democracy where we removed the old government without a ‘single drop of blood’.

“With a wide community of voices in our lineup, this also puts GTLF out as a vibrant, diverse and brave festival that engages with a wide community of voices,” Chauly said.

She also said the festival had organised the inaugural Malaysia National Poetry Slam with the support of the British High Commission.

Chow speaking to the audience during the launch of the GTLF.

She said the winner among the 10 competing poets would represent Malaysia in the international poetry slams.

State Tourism Development, Heritage, Culture and Arts Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin said GTLF has become an integral part of Penang as it strongly champions the freedom of speech and expression.

“This is in line with the spiritwe have in Penang, as part of our legacy.

“The festival has also successfully earned Malaysia a spot in the world map as home for a leading literary festival,” Yeoh said.

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the state was honoured to host the country’s first state-funded literary festival with ‘The State of Freedom’ theme.

“This is only possible in Penang, as the state government is committed to championing the arts, culture and community engagement,” Chow said during the opening of GTLF at Seh Tek Tong Cheah Kongsi in Armenian Street on Friday.

“With the festival, the brightest minds and the most passionate voices in literary and journalistic world can gather to engage in topics and themes crucial to the world we live in,” Chow added.

The four-day festival, which ended on Sunday, featured a series of book launches, exhibitions, performances, poetry slams and workshops at various locations in George Town.