London Writers' Salon #128: Sanjoy K. Roy — From 0 to 500k: Growing the Jaipur Literature Festival and Shaping Global Culture, How Art & Festivals Transform Cities
Jan 19, 2025
Sanjoy K. Roy, Managing Director of Teamwork Arts, has transformed the Jaipur Literature Festival from 230 attendees to over 400,000. He discusses how art and storytelling shape culture and foster community engagement. Sanjoy shares inspiring stories of individuals like a former rickshaw driver who became a published author, and highlights the role of festivals in promoting inclusivity and social change. With a focus on collaboration and accessibility, he emphasizes how creativity can uplift marginalized voices and revitalize cities.
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Homeless Man and Son
- A homeless man brought his son to the festival, hoping a story would change his life.
- This highlighted the festival's impact on the wider community.
Festivals Combat Ignorance
- Literary festivals combat ignorance and hatred by offering considered knowledge.
- They provide a democratic space for dialogue and diverse perspectives.
Palestine Session Challenges
- Organizers faced resistance when planning a session on Palestine at JLF USA.
- Partners, citing security concerns, discouraged discussions on the topic despite the principle of free speech.