Have you ever felt Singapore's literary ecosystem to be confusing or hard to navigate? From the alphabet soup of institutions and grants, to the quiet, unsung systems of support and mentorship; it isn't always easy for those who write books -- or those who love them -- to find their way. 

As a community of publishers, writers and producers, Books& is embarking on a community-mapping exercise, and would love members of the literary community to take part! How does the scene look like from where you stand, and how might your questions and resources connect with someone else's answers and needs? More than just a pathfinder, the project hopes to be able to ignite practical collaborations -- which could begin with that spare room in your office, the niche mailing list you’ve built over a decade, or your familiarity with rights and grants. 

Supported by the Goethe-Institut as part of the open call programme for 136 Goethe Lab across 4 weeks in April. The project starts with a reading group, followed by a series of focus group discussions, and culminate in a party and presentation on 23 May (Sat).

The illustrated ecosystem map will be displayed interactively, highlighting clusters, gaps, and connections. Each stakeholder will also contribute a tangible item and short write-up representing themselves or their community. At the launch party, a gallery walk will showcase the work-in-progress map alongside these artifacts, creating a reflective experience. After the lab, Books& will conduct further refinement and analysis and explore ways to make the finished map publicly available as a guide to Singapore’s literary landscape.

For more information, or to sign up for the discussions, please visit here

THE ARTISTS

Books& is a publishing collective that seeks to redefine the value of books in the creative economy. By connecting publishing and other sectors, they create new opportunities for books to thrive as cultural touchpoints, creative catalysts, and business platforms. We work to ensure their relevance in a rapidly evolving world, shaping the future of publishing by integrating books into the broader creative content ecosystem.

We're not publishers, programmers, or literary agents. We're a bridge—between publishing and everything around it. We aim to connect the dots that often go unnoticed.

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