Simone Atangana Bekono
(The Netherlands, 1991) is a writer of prose and poetry. She has written columns and essays for various newspapers and magazines and is an editor at the literary magazine De Revisor. In 2016, she graduated from the Creative Writing program at ArtEZ with a collection of poems and letters titled Hoe de eerste vonken zichtbaar waren (How the first sparks became visible). In 2018, the collection was awarded the Poëziedebuutprijs Aan Zee. Her debut novel Confrontaties (Confrontations) was highly praised and won the Hebban Debut Prize, the Anton Wachter Prize, and the Best Book for Young Adults Award. In 2022, Simone wrote the novella Zo hoog de zon stond for the Brabants Book Present. In 2024, her second poetry collection Marshmallow was awarded with the Jan Campert-prijs.
Past events
<strong>James Baldwin, A Son of America</strong>: <strong>In honor of James Baldwin's 100th birthday
Expelled Tongue: Poetry in Search of New Languages
Recitation by seven poets of recent or especially for this program newly written poetry.
When my body is the entire world - The Poetry of Kim Hyesoon
Recitation by, interview with and poetic tributes to one of the most influential contemporary poets in the world.
Garbage In, Garbage Out: Poetry event
With Simone Atangana Bekono, Ronelda S. Kamfer, Astrid Lampe, Dewi de Nijs Bik and Zheng Xiaoqiong
Book of My Life with Simone Atangana Bekono
About Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin.
Fifty Ways to Free Your Language
How do writers relate to decolonizing language and literature, not only in their subject matter but also in the form of their poetry and stories?
The Secret Space - Poetry
Within De verborgen ruimte (The Secret Space), the map is newly read and drawn by nine poets. Which sounds and tones belong in it, what has not yet been said, and what is continually misunderstood?
