ANNUAL LESELENZ IN HAUSACH

Project initiator:

Stadt Hausach, Verein zur Förderung des Hausacher LeseLenzes e.V.

Hausacher LeseLenz is a renowned literary festival that has been held in Hausach, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, for 23 years. Every year more than 50 public readings are given in front of now between four and five thousand literature enthusiasts. The festival draws hundreds of first-class international authors to Hausach. Writing, drawing and storytelling workshops, as well as an extensive supporting programme encourage visitors to experience and discover language in a whole new way.

The series of events for children entitled „kinderleicht & lesejung“ is an important part of the literary festival. Every year, it encourages over 2,000 pupils from the region to take part in Hausacher LeseLenz.

Hausacher LeseLenz therefore brings together people who are interested in language and literature with people who otherwise have little access to literature and poetry. The main focus of attention is obviously on children and young people whose entire life can be positively influenced by improved access to literature.

Hausacher LeseLenz also supports authors with scholarships and prizes. The three „Stadtschreiber*innen“ scholarships give winners a three-month stay in Hausach. The „Amanda-Neumayer-Stipendium“ scholarship awarded by NEUMAYER STIFTUNG gives further support to the festival in the sphere of children’s and young adults’ literature.

Project description:

As one of the main patrons, NEUMAYER STIFTUNG facilitates events and public readings as part of Hausacher LeseLenz. Workshops in schools and kindergartens are offered as part of the „kinderleicht & lesejung“ series, and the results are recorded and presented in the printed publication “Wortwerk”. Authors are supported by their own scholarships.

Project aims:

Language work is social work. Making literature accessible should encourage reading and therefore improve complex thinking and participation in society. Young people and adults get access to first-class, nationally and internationally renowned literature.

An easily accessible offer gives them the opportunity to broaden their horizons, and they can enjoy learning how to use language creatively in the workshops. There is support for authors and people engaged in culture, who can form international networks. The town benefits from the international cultural exchange.

Project location:

Hausach, Baden-Württemberg

Project start:

1998

Project target group(s):

Children and young people from the region and talented up-and-coming authors