Holtszezon (Off-Season) Contemporary Literary Festival
In 2022 we organised and developed the first ever contemporary literary festival in downtown Veszprém with concerts, theatrical performances, talks, and workshops.
What we created was essentially an all-arts festival embracing various genres loved by many but rarely seen at cultural events - all of them focused on literature. Opening new frontiers and discovering shifts in perspective are always exciting. It was for this very reason that we concentrated on frontier genres of literature, as well as on emerging, young performers. 'Holtszezon' brought and will bring fresh, exciting, and inspiring cultural events and programmes that encourage creativity and collective thinking. We believe reading is cool, and so is writing, making music or any creative activity. This is what 'Holtszezon' is all about.
What we created was essentially an all-arts festival embracing various genres loved by many but rarely seen at cultural events - all of them focused on literature. Opening new frontiers and discovering shifts in perspective are always exciting. It was for this very reason that we concentrated on frontier genres of literature, as well as on emerging, young performers. 'Holtszezon' brought and will bring fresh, exciting, and inspiring cultural events and programmes that encourage creativity and collective thinking. We believe reading is cool, and so is writing, making music or any creative activity. This is what 'Holtszezon' is all about.
Together with young people
In planning the event, we involved young people at several points. The festival was tailored to the needs and desires of local high school and college students, and their suggestions determined the stylistic directions presented in the programme. The festival's campaign photos featured texts synthesised from the University of Pannonia students' reflections on literature and chose the models from among local young people.
Locations
In 2022, eight downtown venues hosted the festival, including Expresso, Terem, Papírkutya, Utas és Holdvilág Antiques, Wine & Vinyl, Incognito Café, KUNSZT! and Fricska Apartment Restaurant.
About the programme
In 2022 thrillers, science fiction, comics and fanzines, youth and children's literature and contemporary poetry were the genres represented. The programme also included theatre and puppet shows, hip-hop and slam poetry events, alternative music, punk, and experimental post-rock concerts.
In addition to the various performances, the festival also emphasised engaging the audiences with several workshops, including comic book creation, science fiction writing, and poetry workshops awaiting visitors.
