SO:To Speak Engagement Symposium

This Symposium, exploring literary cultures and barriers to engagement, is delivered in partnership between University of Southampton’s English Department and ArtfulScribe. The event will raise and discuss issues regarding barriers to engagement with live literature, featuring invited key note speakers, panel discussions, and opportunities for audiences to contribute to the debate through floor discussions. This event will be in two parts.

Part A, hosted by University of Southampton, will explore how literary cultures have developed in other cities with a view to sharing ideas and examples of good practice that might be considered as Southampton moves forward and raises its profile as a city of literature.

Part B, hosted by ArtfulScribe, will consider access issues affecting engagement by disabled people, the deaf community, and marginalised voices from other sectors of society.

The symposium will close with a summation by University of Southampton and ArtfulScribe of the afternoon’s session, along with considerations for ‘next steps’ for festival and event organisers looking to ensure inclusivity applies to all who wish to engage in live literature events but who may otherwise face access issues.