Connect. Cultivating Open Narratives Nurturing Empowered Cultural Thought

ongoing

CONNECT. Cultivating Open Narratives, Nurturing Empowered Cultural Thought—is a literary initiative that harnesses the power of literature to foster cross-cultural dialogue and mutual understanding. Rooted in the belief that storytelling bridges cultures, CONNECT promotes the exchange of ideas, amplifies diverse voices, and ensures greater accessibility to literary works across linguistic and national boundaries. At its core, CONNECT is not merely about translating books; it is about weaving a dynamic literary network that connects regions and perspectives. By translating 23 literary works into Italian, Catalan, Spanish, and Arabic (some of which into different languages), the project creates a multilingual conversation that enhances intercultural understanding and strengthens a shared European and Mediterranean cultural heritage. Through this initiative, literature becomes a medium for exploring themes of migration, exile, memory, and resistance, allowing readers to engage with experiences beyond their own. CONNECT actively contributes to bibliodiversity and the development of an inclusive European citizenship by facilitating translations from 7 different languages (Italian, Catalan, Spanish, Dutch, English, Greek, and Bulgarian) into Arabic and from Arabic into Italian, Spanish, and Catalan. These works will be distributed across Italy, Spain, and Arab-speaking communities in Europe and in the Arab world, ensuring a broad and meaningful cultural impact. Furthermore, the project is committed to supporting 16 translators by recognizing their invaluable role in literary exchange. By providing visibility and fair compensation to translators, CONNECT fosters a sustainable ecosystem for translation and cultural dissemination. Ultimately, CONNECT is more than a translation initiative—it is a movement dedicated to breaking linguistic and cultural barriers, ensuring that literature remains a powerful force for unity in diversity, and shared understanding across borders.