THE FESTIVAL OF LITERARY DIVERSITY (FOLD) 2023
A celebration of diverse authors and storytellers
April 30 to May 7
In-person appearances by Elamin Abdelmahmoud, Britta Badour,
Jesmeen Kaur Deo, Cherie Dimaline, Ali Hassan, Catherine Hernandez,
Jen Sookfong Lee, Suzette Mayr, Sheila Murray, Janika Oza, Casey Plett,
Liselle Sambury, Dan K. Woo and more.
Virtual appearances by Leanne Betasamosake Simpson, Cody Caetano,
Michael Christie, Gia de Cadenet, R. Barri Flowers, Roselle Lim,
Robyn Maynard, Susan Mockler, Silvia Moreno-Garcia, Dimitri Nasrallah,
Danny Ramadan, Sandra S.G. Wong and more.
BRAMPTON, ON | March 23, 2023 – The Festival of Literary Diversity (FOLD), Canada’s first festival dedicated to diverse authors and storytellers, today announced the programming line-up for its eighth annual festival running April 30 to May 7, 2023. This year’s festival is presented in a multi-modal format, beginning with a virtual festival and transitioning into a mix of in-person and hybrid events. FOLD 2023 features over 50 authors from Canada and around the world, with online events including Disabled Futures, Canada Reads – The Final Tea, and Publishing 101, and in-person events including The Historical Fiction High Tea and the Spoken Word Showcase, and the return of The Great Readception: A Literary Cabaret. The FOLD is presented by Audible Canada. All in-person events will include book signings. Tickets to the FOLD are now on sale at thefoldcanada.org.
“Every year we ask ourselves: how can we create a more meaningful experience for people who know the FOLD and for those who are new to the festival,” said FOLD Executive Director, Jael Richardson. “This year, it’s all about making connections – both virtually and in person. Literary festivals are like concerts for writers and book lovers and we want everyone to have the opportunity to experience the festival in a meaningful way.”
The FOLD’s virtual exhibit hall will once again feature over a dozen vendors from community and publishing-based organisations, many of whom will host roundtable meetups for festival guests on Sunday, April 30. In addition to hosting digital events and discussions within a state-of-the-art virtual space, the FOLD also offers a mobile app, allowing guests to participate in the festival anytime, anywhere.
Signature Events at FOLD 2023
Where We Go From Here
April 30, 12pm ET, Virtual
In the festival’s opening panel event, Leanne Betasamosake Simpson, El Jones, and Robyn Maynard explore critical questions of care and community. Responding to some of the crises of recent years, they delve into their work as writers and activists — exploring the origins of their most recent work and the community efforts that continue to shape their lives and their stories.
The Great Readception: A Literary Cabaret
May 5, 8 PM ET, The Rose Theatre
This in-person evening event features festival authors Elamin Abdelmahmoud, Ali Hassan, Catherine Hernandez, Jen Sookfong Lee, Alessandra Naccarato, and Anuja Varghese reading from their works accompanied by music composed and performed by Brampton musician Carmen Spada with a live jazz band.
The Historical Fiction High Tea
May 7, 12pm ET, The Rose Theatre
The FOLD Sunday brunch is back! Enjoy high tea and conversation with historical fiction writers Suzette Mayr, Sheila Murray and Janika Oza.
See the full FOLD schedule at thefoldcanada.org.
The FOLD also runs virtual and in-person school group events including the Writer’s Life series of author events, and hands-on writing workshops. Educators can register for in-person school events by calling The Rose box office.
Connect & Share: Instagram: @The_Fold | Facebook: @FestivalofLiteraryDiversity
Twitter: @TheFold_ #FOLD2023
Ticket Prices:
Virtual Pass: $20
Virtual + In-Person Pass: $45
Specialty Events:
- $25 – Dine & Draw (Thursday, May 4)
- $20 – The Great Readception: A Literary Cabaret (Friday, May 5)
- $25 – The Historical Fiction High Tea (Sunday, May 7).
About The FOLD Foundation | thefoldcanada.org
The FOLD Foundation is a registered Canadian charity that celebrates underrepresented and marginalised authors and storytellers from Canada and around the world through two annual festivals–the Festival of Literary Diversity each May, and the FOLD Kids Book Fest in November–as well as through a number of literary programming initiatives held throughout the year.
The FOLD is generously supported by: Audible Canada; The City of Brampton; Penguin Random House Canada; Simon & Schuster Canada; HarperCollins Canada; Harlequin; ECW Press; and Literary Press Group; with additional support from the Government of Canada; Canada Council for the Arts; Ontario Arts Council; Ontario Trillium Foundation; and Access Copyright.
Being mindful of the various needs of FOLD staff, authors and guests, masks will be required at all FOLD events and book signings. Please be aware that at events where food is served, masking may not be possible at all times in all areas of the venue. The Rose Theatre will not exceed 50% capacity. An outdoor reception area will be available prior to events and a detailed breakdown of events and crowds can be found here.
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For further media information, please contact:
Katie Saunoris | KSPR | katiesaunoris@gmail.com
FOLD 2023 Media Gallery
Jonisha Lewinson