Når litteraturfestivalen finner sted

Abstract

The article presents a qualitative analyses of three Norwegian literary festivals (Litteratursymposiet in Odda, Bergen International Literary Festival and Norsk Litteraturfestival Sigrid Undset-dagene). The analyses build on interviews with central actors of the festivals and participating observations at the festivals, during 2021 and 2022. We discuss what traditions the festivals build on, and take particular interest in the varied ways these three festivals build communities in the post-pandemics period, interact with their host cities and with their audiences, and discuss how the festivals’ centripetal and centrifugal forces are in play.