“Good literature about anything can be enjoyed by any kinds of people. Literature transcends all cultures and nations.” - Bernardine Evaristo

Multilingual and multicultural societies exist through their languages. On this International Mother Language Day, we celebrate diversity and multiculturalism in parallel with the theme of Utopianism. We have invited international writers to share their creative writing. They are either British writers or writers from the far east.

Cost: Free

Jane Rayner will share short stories accompanied by paintings, exploring the imagination and aesthetics of paintings and how they can be revealed by stories. Following the presentation, there will be Q&A.

Dave Norman, aerospace software engineer and chairman of Torbay Astronomical Society, will read from the two first novels in his fantasy sci-fi HALIEN Pentalogy exploring ancient history, mythology, legend, and religion. After the readings, there will be a chance to discuss the issues raised.

Hu Na’s published flash fiction Art City and Metaphysics features different cities in the West and the East, the real and the imagined. There will be opportunities listening poems read in English & Chinese regarding cities, escapism, and imagination.

We all have our own interpretation of utopian, whether it’s realism, romanticism, or escapism, come and discuss some interesting topics of world literature with our international writers this evening!

Accessibility Statement: The Innovation Centre opened in September 2018 and has been designed to hold co-working workshops, panel talks, and other events. We would encourage you to practice good hygiene and sanitize your hands before entering the main room (the hand sanitizer station is located outside the main doors). The Innovation Centre has a wheelchair-accessible hallway leading to the main entrance. This event will be held on the ground floor, where there is level access.