The right to read, resist, hope
The new generation speaks out
Initiated by the International Alliance of Independent Publishers, the Fez Conference is organised in collaboration with En toutes lettres in Morocco, which put forward Fez’s candidacy to host this upcoming major event.
Common thread
Strengthening and promoting the values of the Alliance
In 2021, while the world was living to the rhythm of the Covid pandemic, preparations were underway for the 2021 Pamplona Conference, with one key word in mind: REthink. How would independent publishing be built “after”? What would be the responsibility of independent publishers in the transitions and transformations of tomorrow? How can we (re)affirm the role of bibliodiversity in building more emancipated, freer and fairer societies? The Declaration that came out of the Pamplona Conference reflected (and still reflects) the collective will of independent publishers to work “For a decolonial, ecological, feminist, free, social and united independent publishing”, recalling their commitment to the cultural, social and political nature of books and reading; the democratisation of books in society; reading as an emancipatory practice that forges the critical spirit of citizens, as active participants within their society.
Following the 2021 Conference, several initiatives were set up: a Guide to Good Practice, thematic working groups within the Bibliodiversity Observatory, the Babelica Book Fair dedicated to independent publishing on an international scale, translation and co-publishing projects, mapping, analyses, workshops, meetings, etc.. At the same time, the Alliance network has grown and welcomed new publishing houses (particularly in Asia and the Arab world). A lot has happened in 6 years.
The Conference will therefore continue the work and reflection that are at the heart of the Alliance network around these issues (book ecology, public book policies, freedom to publish, solidarity co-editions, digitalisation/ AI, etc.) and commitments made by independent publishers.
• Passion at the expense of health (mental, financial, physical...)?
• Which book for which reader?
• Status of book donations?
• What are the alternatives to industrial piracy?
• What are the uses and practices of AI for independent publishing? What are the possible “ethical” alternatives?
• What are the good ecological practices for publishers?
• What translations from so-called ‘minority’ languages into the dominant languages?
Inclusive and welcoming; fostering dialogue and amplifying voices
The 2027 Conference is also shaped by several key words: ‘everyday’ youth/ Gen Z/ LGBTQIA+ voices/ censorship (and the circumvention of censorship)/ mental health/ well-being/ safe spaces/ inclusion/ critical thinking...
A chaotic and bruised world
Since 2021, new conflicts have erupted around the world, and the violence of war has become a daily reality for more publishers. The rise of nationalism, conservatism and authoritarianism has spread throughout societies, with waves of racism and sexism threatening diversity (gender, religious, cultural, etc.). Natural disasters have multiplied, rendering us powerless spectators of a predicted climate crisis. Financial and technological empires have been formed and consolidated, imposing a standardisation of content, undermining the current book ecosystem and limiting freedom of expression and critical thinking.
It is in this increasingly chaotic and bruised world that we find ourselves 6 years on... A world where it is becoming difficult to listen to one another, to engage in dialogue, to disagree. A world where the debate of ideas and books is threatened (even banned), where censorship (and self-censorship) prevents a plurality of points of view and testimonies...
Spaces of solidarity and resistance
In this context of retreat, difficulties and even dangers for the expression and representation of all diversities, there are many spaces of solidarity and resistance on a small or large scale that achieve great things. These “safe spaces” can be helpful, unifying and hopeful. These spaces of solidarity and resistance will be at the heart of the forthcoming International Conference of Independent Publishers.
• How can we resist together?
• What are the means of circumventing the attacks on freedoms?
• What social and political role do books and publishers play?
• How do we discuss complex and sensitive issues in an intercultural context?
• How do we publish in times of crisis and war?
• How do we take care of ourselves, of these spaces of solidarity?
Other voices/ directions
In Indonesia, Madagascar, Morocco, Nepal, Peru... the Generation Z is on the streets, demanding new possibilities, calling for greater social justice and dreaming of a dignified life. This new generation will lead the Conference, thanks to a partnership with the School of Critical Thinking, an initiative run by En toutes lettres in conjunction with the Faculty of Legal, Economic and Social Sciences at Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez. A group of students and emerging book professionals will develop the Conference programme, facilitate the debates and discussions and share their experiences and perspectives.
• How and around what issues is the new generation organising its resistance?
• What role and place do books and reading play in this resistance - and more broadly for the new generation?
• What are the ways in which Gen Z organise themselves and their knowledge?
• What are the hopes and utopias of young people?
• How can we build bridges (between cultures, generations, etc.)?
As a unique moment for the independent publishing movement, the Conference highlights another facet of the world of books, made up of a multitude of voices that are often marginalised and stifled. Based on intercultural dialogue, solidarity and a plurality of approaches, the Conference is a forum for discussion, reflection, research and action. It provides an overview of independent publishing worldwide (Latin America, Africa, Asia, Europe, the Arab world and Oceania): it sets the tone for the trends and issues that are shaping the world of books - and, more broadly, the state of the world.
More information here (document under development, currently being collectively constructed!):
