Backåkra Poesi & Prosa

Over two days, the written word spreads across the heathland of Backåkra. Poets and authors gather. Under the theme of courage, the boundaries of the power of words are explored. Discussions revolve around the meaning and motivation to continue striving for a future to long for.

Backåkra Poesi & Prosa broadens the understanding of issues related to sustainability—ecological, social, and economic—as these interact with and strengthen each other. Literature has always captured the currents of its time and posed the great life questions that pass from generation to generation. Both experienced and new writers are invited to come together to approach the pressing sustainability issues of our time—this year under the theme of courage. We meet poets like Pia Tafdrup and Daniel Boyacioglu, and authors like Elin Anna Labba and Nicolas Lunabba. Gudrun Schyman will inaugurate the event.

"Let me read with open eyes the book my days are writing—and learn."
- Dag Hammarskjöld

Participants: Elin Anna Labba, Pia Tafdrup, Susanna Alakoski, Mats Söderlund, Gudrun Schyman, Michael Saxell, Nicolas Lunabba, Bibi Jonsson, and Daniel Boyacioglu.

SATURDAY, 31 AUGUST 13:00 Mats Söderlund, Susanna Alakoski
13:15 Gudrun Schyman on being human in an inhumane time
14:15 Bibi Jonsson, Professor of Literature, on female 1930s writers associated with Nazi organizations
15:30 Pia Tafdrup reads from Sinneskvintetten
16:45-17:45 Elin Anna Labba on Far inte till havet

SUNDAY, 1 SEPTEMBER 13:00 Mats Söderlund, Susanna Alakoski
13:30 Musician Michael Saxell
14:45 Skurup's Folk High School, second-year writing students
16:00 Daniel Boyacioglu on Daniels bok
17:15-18:15 Susanna Alakoski in conversation with Nicolas Lunabba

Price: 250 SEK for both days, free for students.

In Österlen, there is a wide range of nearby B&Bs, hotels, and private houses/rooms for rent. Hotel Turistgården in Simrishamn is our partner hotel. Mention Österlen Poesi & Prosa to receive a discount.

It is easy to travel for the day from Malmö, Lund, Ystad, and Kristianstad. The bus from Ystad takes about 25 minutes and stops within walking distance of the event:
https://www.skanetrafiken.se

Tina's Lille Danmark Foodtruck will be on-site both days, selling smørrebrød, baguettes, and hygge fika:
https://www.tinaslilledanmark.com/

Around Backåkra, there is also a wide selection of restaurants and cafés. Many villages have farm restaurants as well. On-site, there will also be the Samlaren/Simrishamn antiquarian bookstore, Borrby Book Village, and Simrishamn's bookstore.

The admission fee also includes entry to the Dag Hammarskjöld Museum, which houses, among other things, an art collection and gifts from Hammarskjöld's time as UN Secretary-General:
http://dhbackakra.se/

Backåkra Poesi & Prosa is a collaboration between the Dag Hammarskjöld's Backåkra Foundation and Ystad Municipality. The artistic directors are Mats Söderlund and Susanna Alakoski.

Support from Författarcentrum Syd, Skurup's Folk High School, the Swedish Academy, Borrby Book Village, Antikvariat Samlaren, Simrishamn's bookstore, and Region Skåne.