Inkblot’s First Public Reading Event

Inkblot, a new literary organisation in Vienna, aims to promote new writing by hosting live readings by published and unpublished writers of prose, poetry and drama in an attempt to bring them to a wider audience, crossing borders of language and culture. It is a non-profit organization, trying in its own way to broaden variety and horizons for the people of Vienna.

Inkblot’s desire is to tap into the broad tapestry of Viennese l…ife by inviting writers of all nationalities, creeds and mother tongues to present their work to the public. Inkblot’s aim is not only to present new writing but also to encourage, inspire and provide an outlet for those involved in the creative process of writing.

Inkblot is the product of frustration at the lack of opportunities for new and upcoming writers to showcase their work in a city famous for fostering the arts. It is Inkblot’s intention to democratise the arts. By bringing what is new and exciting in Vienna to those who would otherwise have no access to such work; to bring the writer out of the study and into the public sphere. Organised events will bring attention to otherwise overlooked artists, opening the public’s eyes to new talent. Live readings will not only introduce new writing, but will be complemented by music and visual arts, encouraging a dialogue between all art forms that is beneficial for all involved; the artist and the audience, the writer and the musician.
The new, the modern and independent are sadly overlooked in Vienna and as a consequence it suffers from a dearth of new, exciting, cutting edge work. Dwelling on past glories, forgetting its present and neglecting its future, Vienna is in danger of becoming an artistic museum. We at Inkblot want to reignite the passion for the new and innovative; not by disregarding the past but by highlighting the parallels between Vienna’s past and present. Vienna is a vibrant, modern city and this must be reflected in artistic life.

Inkblot’s First Public Reading Event:
Theme: “A Turk and an Englishman in Vienna – Stories from East and West”
Date: Wednesday, 17th November, 2010
Time: 19:30
Location: “Area”, Gonzagagasse 11, 1010 Vienna

Summary: Inkblot starts its journey into the world of new Viennese writing with an event highlighting cultural diversity in the city. Ben Maddox, a British writer living and working in Vienna for 7 years, and Kemal Kara , a Viennese writer and blogger with Turkish heritage will present moving, amusing and contemplative stories about the effects their experiences in Vienna have had on their lives and writing. Two writers, two languages, three nationalities and one event show how the influences of east and west have helped to shape modern Vienna.
For more information about Inkblot, the writers and their work, please contact [email protected]