About Us
The FOLD Foundation celebrates diverse authors and storytellers at festivals and events based in Brampton, Ontario, Canada.
The FOLD Foundation was founded in 2014 by author Jael Richardson. In May 2016, the organization launched the Festival of Literary Diversity (FOLD) – the first literary festival devoted to celebrating underrepresented authors and storytellers.
The festival takes place in Brampton, Ontario, providing an important space for writers to discuss their craft and the challenges involved in creating stories that ask difficult questions, expose hard truths and push literary boundaries.
The FOLD continues to provide new and innovative opportunities to engage readers, inspire writers, and empower educators.
Since the flagship festival launched in May 2016, the FOLD Foundation has grown to include a reading challenge, a kids festival, an author visit series, and monthly online webinars.
The FOLD Foundation became a charitable organization in 2019.
Who We Are
The FOLD Foundation has changed the way festivals and literary organizations in Canada think about programming by establishing the Festival of Literary Diversity – Canada’s first festival for diverse authors and storytellers.
By providing unique opportunities that center underrepresented storytellers – emerging and established – the Festival of Literary Diversity has transformed Canada’s literary scene and continues to have an impact on programming around the world by providing a place where authors from marginalized communities speak as experts not only in the identities that impact their everyday lives, but as experts in the craft of writing.
Through social media, online activities, and in-person events hosted in one of Canada’s largest and most under-served communities, the FOLD continues to elevate incredible voices and challenge the systems that limit opportunities for underrepresented storytellers.
In the Community
The activities of the FOLD Foundation bring readers and writers to the heart of a unique Toronto suburb, where guests can experience the beauty and culture of Brampton – Canada’s ninth largest city.
The City of Brampton boasts a population of over 600,000 people who represent over 200 different ethnicities and cumulatively speak more than 85 different languages.
By centering underrepresented authors and storytellers and by utilizing local vendors and businesses, the FOLD Foundation is making a tangible cultural and economic impact on the Brampton community and beyond.
We couldn't do it without our amazing team!
Learn More about the people behind The Fold
Our Mandate
- Celebrate diversity in literature by promoting authors from marginalized communities in a unique and culturally diverse city.
- Present a diverse range of stories that are underrepresented in literary settings; that reflect variations in geography, ethnicity, race, culture, gender, ability, sexual orientation, and religion; employ different methods of story-telling.
- Bring established and emerging writers, educators, and literary professionals together with readers from all walks of life to celebrate and expand Canada’s body of diverse literature.
- Provide aspiring writers with the opportunity to develop their skills and improve their writing by connecting them with other writers and by providing them with professional development opportunities that allow them to learn
- Give educators (teachers, librarians and parents) with the resources to teach and train young people to read diversely.
- Create a unique space through readings, performances, panels, discussions and professional development workshops, a unique space where readers can engage with experienced artists who reflect the diversity that plays a fundamental role in our local and national identity.
Our Goals & Objectives
- Promote authors whose diverse literature inspires acceptance, empathy, and equality
- Connect readers with authors who reflect and promote diversity
- Develop a community of strong, diverse writers in Brampton
- Foster literacy and an appreciation for reading, especially in young people and children
- Expand the Canadian readership of diverse authors by sharing their stories with educators
- Advocate for inclusion and equity in Canadian publishing
- Establish Brampton’s place on Canada’s literary map