Sharjah Book Authority launches virtual reading festival

The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) has announced the launch of the Sharjah Virtual Reading Festival (SVRF).

The 10-day festival, scheduled to run from May 27 to June 5, will see multiple acclaimed writers and authors from around the world connect virtually to offer literature and art enthusiasts a range of cultural, literary and poetry sessions and workshops.

The reading initiative has been curated to target all community members belonging to different age groups and nationalities.

In an unprecedented cultural initiative in the history of Arabic culture, #SBA has announced the launch of the Sharjah Virtual Reading Festival (#SVRF20) for ten days, from May 27 to June 5, 2020. ⠀
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Further details will be announced later during a virtual press conference. pic.twitter.com/ovYmaxVXCx

— Sharjah Book Authority (@SharjahBookAuth) April 12, 2020

By launching the festival, SBA is promoting the access to culture and books at a time of enormous uncertainty, in a bid to tie the community together.

The move is also in line with the precautionary measures adopted by the UAE and nations worldwide to promote social distancing and remote work policies. By bringing books and reviving the culture of reading into people’s lives, it enables them to enrich their cultural knowledge while being home-bound.

“In these circumstances, our responsibility towards society, readers and intellectuals has naturally doubled, and we intend to harness all means to contribute to their well-being by uplifting their artistic thought and creative processes,” said Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, chairman of SBA.

“The Sharjah Virtual Reading Festival offers a unique digital platform for intellectuals and creative minds from around the world to connect remotely, celebrate the full diversity of humanity’s cultural expressions, and share experiences and knowledge, even as the world works to mitigate the impact of Covid-19,” concluded Al Ameri.