New Dutch Writing is a high-profile promotional campaign by the Dutch Foundation for Literature to promote Dutch writing in translation in the UK and Ireland and to nurture the next generation of translators.
It includes fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels, children’s and poetry books, celebrating the work of translators and capitalising on the burgeoning interest in international literature among UK readers while engaging them in a stimulating, cross cultural debate. The campaign launched in July 2019 and continues through into 2025 and includes over 150 author events at a range of festivals and literature venues nationwide, featuring Dutch writers in conversation with their British counterparts. Read more...
The Dutch Writing House
For New Dutch Writing visual artist Jan Rothuizen imagined what a Dutch Writers' House would look like. From classic fiction writers like Gerard Reve to children's books authors Annet Schaap and from non-fiction bestseller Rutger Bregman to International Booker Prize nominee Marieke Lucas Rijneveld, they all live in the house filled with over 25 Dutch authors. In his own distinct style Jan Rothuizen, author of The Soft Atlas of Amsterdam, provides a new way to look at Dutch writing, which also featured in the 2020 Summer Books edition of the London Review Of Books.
Upcoming events
New Dutch Writing has already included over 70 author events at a range of festivals and literature venues nationwide. Now that these autumn events have passed, the New Dutch Writing campaign is planning more events for the next few months. Keep an eye out for new events!
18 May
Tobi Lakmaker at ILFD with The History of My Sexuality
Tobi Lakmaker discusses The History of My Sexuality, a frank, funny and exuberant coming of age debut about a young woman’s search for identity, intimacy and love.
21 May
The View Over the Horizon: Gerbrand Bakker & Garrett Carr
Two outstanding storytellers discuss the ties that create family and community, the role of the landscape in their fiction, and writing male characters who are cut off from their emotions.
24 May
Marije Tolman: A Mural for Merrion Square Park at ILFD
Help us make a mural for Merrion Square Park! Belgian Illustrator Marije Tolman will set a creative challenge for you to make your mark in this huge piece of participatory art.
25 May
Quill the Forest Keeper with Marije Tolman & David Colmer at ILFD
Enjoy forest-inspired quiet drawing with the story of Quill, the kind and gentle hedgehog teaching the rushing world to stop and smell the flowers before it’s too late.
25 May
Aimée de Jongh, Xiaolu Guo & Clara Kumagai at ILFD
Contemporary takes on the classics have surged in popularity. Three creators discuss the inspiration to be found in the canon, and how modern retellings can transform our understanding of a novel.
25 May
Aimée de Jongh: Drawing Where Cameras Are Forbidden at ILFD
Cartoonist Aimée de Jongh discusses the power of journalistic comics to show hidden places and previews her forthcoming graphic novel, inspired by her visits to refugee camps in Greece.
13 July
Maria Barnas & Keith Payne at West Cork Literary festival
Join us to hear both of these poets read their work and for a coffee and chat about poetry and translation.
15 July
New Dutch Writing: Valentijn Hoogenkamp & Michele Hutchison
Antiboy by Valentijn Hoogenkamp is a poignant exploration of identity and transformation as it chronicles Valentijn’s decision to undergo a mastectomy — a choice that becomes a catalyst for embracing a non-binary identity.
Past events
6 Apr
Jan Brokken's Baltic Souls
Remarkable Life Stories from Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania
2 Apr
Sjeng Scheijen's The Avant-Gardists
Artists in Revolt in the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union 1917–1935
13 Oct
Marije Tolman - Crafting Characters
Crafting Characters Workshop with Marije Tolman at Cheltenham Literature Festival
Events archive