The Athéna center hosted the sixth edition of Dour se Livre for the first time this weekend. Book readers were able to meet authors from the region, but also attend several workshops and events in a completely new setting.
Although Dour se Livre changed scenery with the Athena center, this did not change the atmosphere appreciated by local authors accustomed to this event.
“I find that the atmosphere at Dour is pleasant. Dour se Livre always remains a beautiful fair. It is always a pleasure to meet and build friendships with the authors present at the fairs.” – Nicole Nisol, local author and winner of the Dour se Livre 2023 prize.
This book-selling atmosphere starts as usual with an exhibition. And this time, it is the artist Michael Mund who is in the spotlight with his opening in connection with the publication of his very first book: “Alice in Wonderland”.
“It’s a book that tells a story about the character Alice in Wonderland, but doesn’t focus on her original story. So each time, we have puns about Alice on the left page and a related illustration on the right page. It is therefore a continuous story with a beautiful ending at the end. It is a fairly contemporary and quite incredible story. – Michael Mund, artist and author of Alice in Wonderland.
A first experience as an author which allowed him to relive his beginnings as an artist because this former Hornutois had exhibited for the first time in Dour in 2007. And he returns here with his first work.
“As a visual artist, I usually work on large, very colorful formats, whereas here, I was confronted with A4 format and in black and white. So it was a real challenge, but I I think I did it correctly and it’s also a pleasant first experience.” – Michael Mund, artist and author of Alice in Wonderland.
Dour se livre is dedicated to authors, but not only that, several literary activities take place within the building during these two days such as a book hunt or a Boraine writing and conversation workshop. And this year, it was the 5th and 6th primary students of the Athénée who were able to present their slam with the help of the EnV.IES collective
“I gave the children a theme to help them get into something concrete more easily. So I worked mainly on emotions, and then I gave them free rein. And you’ll see, it’s spectacular !” – Christian Ducarreau, leader of the EnV.IES collective
A writing workshop which allowed the little slammers of Dour to work on their writing for a month. But for the organizers, this first edition at the Athéna Center is above all an opportunity to test new things.
“The Athéna center allows you to have more activities via its space and above all to bring something new. For example, there is slam with the children of the Athénée de DOur, but also a book dating which is a real encounter confined with certain authors from the salon It’s something special and there are other multiple activities. – Guillaume Delcourt co-organizer of Dour se Livre.
With this new decor, the organizers hope to further expand Dour se Livre for future editions and to offer more activities that would introduce the literary sector to a larger audience.
