The world-renowned Neustadt Festival of International Literature and Culture begins this Wednesday, Nov. 8 and will run through Friday, Nov. 10.
The festival, sponsored by OU’s magazine, World Literature Today, is a celebration of the acclaimed International NSK Neustadt Prize Winner and their culture.
The Neustadt Prize began in the 1970s as a renowned prize for international literature and poetry and developed over the years with a second prize for children’s literature.
"The festival is a world-famous event," Robert Con Davis-Undiano, OU Neustadt Professor and executive director of World Literature Today, said. "It is a celebration of literature, dance, poetry, prose — and the students who get involved will get really excited and discover opportunities in the world of the arts."
The 2017 NSK Neustadt Prize winner is Marilyn Nelson, who will be giving a keynote speech on Nov. 10, as well as receiving $25,000 in prize money. The NSK Neustadt is awarded to authors who have "significant achievement" in children's or young-adult literature.
The jury who will select the next Neustadt Prize-winner will be present. These judges are comprised of up-and-coming writers, including Alisa Ganieva, Major Jackson, Ladan Osman and more.
The festival will begin at noon Wednesday, Nov. 8 in Beaird Lounge in the Oklahoma Memorial Union, with readings and book signings for poetry and prose and a round table discussion and book signing with Nelson.
Thursday, Nov. 9 will consist of Night at the Museum, a reception with hors d’oevres, drinks and music at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art. During this reception, the winner of the 2018 Neustadt Prize will be announced.
The festival's activities on Friday, Nov. 10 will include the OU School of Dance's world premiere of a performance inspired by one of Nelson's poems. Afterwards, Nelson will give her keynote speech, concluding the festival.
Correction: This article was updated Nov. 7 at 11:31 to reflect that the Daily could not verify a claim made about the Neustadt Festival and to correct the name of the award.
