Urgent appeal: Cape Town's literary festival seeks funding to survive

The organisers of Cape Town’s Open Book Festival have issued an urgent public appeal for financial assistance to help cover the costs of this year’s festival, set to take place in September.

“For years, we’ve believed the festival doesn’t belong to us alone—it belongs to everyone who contributes to making it the inclusive, vibrant space that it is,” the organisers said in a statement. “Now we need that collective ownership to include financial support.”

Since its inception in 2011, Open Book Festival has relied partly on government funding. However, organisers say there is currently no clarity regarding funding applications submitted to either the Western Cape or National Government. As a result, the festival is facing a shortfall of R500,000.

If the target is not met, the festival will still go ahead, but organisers would be forced to borrow funds to pay participants. “Borrowing money is not sustainable, and Open Book will likely not survive beyond this year,” the organisers said.

If government funding is approved at the last minute and the R500,000 target has already been met through public donations, the additional funds will be used towards the 2026 edition of the festival.

Members of the public are also encouraged to assist by facilitating connections with potential sponsors. “As government funding becomes more difficult to access, it’s increasingly important for the arts sector to form partnerships with corporate entities,” the organisers said.

While in-kind sponsorships are welcome, the festival is currently in need of direct financial contributions.

Open Book Festival has built a reputation for hosting inclusive and meaningful literary events, and for fostering connections among writers, readers, and publishers. “We’ve seen friendships formed and new work published because of relationships forged at the festival,” organisers said. “We are heartbroken that the festival’s future is uncertain. Please help if you can.”

To contribute to the Open Book Festival, visit: https://booklounge.co.za/product/open-book-crowdfunding/ For sponsorship enquiries, contact Frankie at: frankie@openbookfestival.co.za

Open Book Festival has launched an urgent appeal to the public, stating: "We need your help to cover the costs of this year's September festival."

For years, Open Book organisers have spoken about their belief that the festival is not owned by them—it is owned by all those who contribute to making it an inclusive, vibrant festival that consists of incredibly important and difficult conversations and serves to highlight some of the fantastic writing coming out of South Africa and beyond.

The festival now needs that collective ownership to take on a financial element. As organisers explain: "Your investment in the festival will not bring you dividends or shares, but what it will bring is the knowledge that the festival that you love and in whose value you believe will continue to exist."

Many organisations face funding crises right now, and Open Book unfortunately finds itself in that position. The festival has been partly reliant on support from different levels of Government since its inception, and there is still, so close to this year's September festival, no clarity about the applications made to the Western Cape or National Government.

Critical Questions and Answers

How much money does the Festival need?

R500,000

What happens if the festival doesn't raise the money?

The festival will still go ahead, but organisers will have to borrow money to ensure that all participants get paid. Longer term, the consequences are far more troubling. Borrowing money is not sustainable, and Open Book will then likely not survive beyond this year.

What happens if the Government funding does come through at the last minute?

If the target is raised and funding proposals are approved at the last minute, the money will be used for next year's festival.

Is there anything else the public can do to help?

Those with contacts to potential sponsors are encouraged to facilitate introductions—email introductions, meetings or whatever else makes sense. As government funding becomes increasingly difficult to access, it becomes even more crucial for the Arts Sector to be able to build partnerships with corporate entities.

Organisers note that sponsorships can also be in-kind, but currently they are in vital need of 'paper money'.

Since 2011, Open Book has been curating a festival that speaks to organisers' love for the work of South African (and other) writers, as well as their commitment to seeing the literary landscape in this country transform. It has been a space where they have been privileged to create inclusive, interesting, entertaining and meaningful events that are part of much broader conversations.

"We have witnessed friendships being made, work being created and published because of new connections, and have come to think of so many of you as family," say organisers. "We are heartbroken that the continued existence of Open Book feels so tenuous. Please help if you can."

The public can contribute to the festival's survival through direct donations or by facilitating connections to potential sponsors.

To donate: https://booklounge.co.za/product/open-book-crowdfunding/

For sponsorship enquiries: Contact Frankie at frankie@openbookfestival.co.za