The New Generation: Prospects for emerging writers, readers and curators

In 2002, the literaturWERKstatt berlin – now known as the Haus für Poesie – presented a generation of poets under the title »Die neuen Leute« (The New People), many of whom were still unknown at the time. All of them have since gone on to shape contemporary German-language literature in various ways, many of them simultaneously as authors, organisers, curators or experts in cultural education.

Almost a quarter of a century later, the Berliner Literaturkonferenz asks: How are the »new people« faring today? What spaces and conditions do young writers, readers and curators encounter? How do they find their way into reading, writing or organising? Where can they work, try things out, make choices and have a say? And what roles do schools, literary institutions, competitions, the media and cultural policy play?

Speakers on this topic include the author and former organisational project manager of Open Mike, I.V. Nuss; Eli Makuth from the youth reading group »Die LesArtigen«; and Louis Krüger, a former member of the Berlin House of Representatives and spokesperson for school policy and cultural youth education for the Bündnis 90/Die Grünen parliamentary group.

The discussion also marks the start of the Open Mike weekend: this will be followed at 7.30 pm by debut readings featuring Miedya Mahmod and Patrick Holzapfel, with the competition and awards ceremony taking place on 14 November.

The Berliner Literaturkonferenz is a collaborative network of Berlin-based literary institutions, the independent literary scene and associated partners.

An event organised by the Berliner Literaturkonferenz in collaboration with radio3 from rbb. The discussion will be recorded and broadcast on radio3.