The Blue Met started out as a modest literary festival attracting 1,500 people to 30 events in two languages circa 1999 and has grown into an international literary hub -- literally. Now hosting closer to 200 activities with 350 participants, events are and/or have been presented in French, English, Mandarin, Italian, Spanish, Russian, even in Farsi, Hungarian and Urdu. And the Blue Metropolis Montreal International Literary Festival offers an ever-expanding series of activities and regular features for the general public, industry professionals as well as Montreal's youth with the Blue Metropolis Children's Festival, first presented in 2008.
International Literary Star Presence
From living legends to emerging talents and with events in several languages, some of the world's most influential contemporary authors, illustrators, publishers, cartoonists, photographers, poets and other industry leaders have graced the Blue Met.
A peek at past participants reveals, for example, Nancy Huston, Margaret Atwood, Michael Ondaatje, John Ralston Saul, Bizarro's Dan Piraro, Yann Martel, Alberto Manguel, Victor-Lévy Beaulieu, and Grace Paley.
Blue Metropolis Children's Festival
Introduced at the Blue Met's 2008 edition, the Children's Festival offers a series of hands-on activities and events designed for kids 12 and under. Children meet their favorite authors and participate in drawing workshops and writing games. Museums such as the Canadian Centre for Architecture and McCord Museum propose special activities.
International Publisher's Forum
A series of formal and informal meetings between Canadian and foreign publishers, journalists, agents and other book industry professionals. A yearly theme is chosen and 2009's is "Words that matter." Previous themes include the challenges of translation and publishing in China.
Workshops
From how to be a writer to how to get published, from master classes to emerging writers, workshops are generally led by internationally recognized professionals and are modestly priced. Register as soon as possible as seats are first-come, first-served and go fast.
Book Launches
Every year, dozens of leading and emerging authors launch their literary wares at the Blue Met. Past launches include Olympic gold medal winner Mark Tewksbury's Inside Out: Straight Talk From A Gay Jock and John Paul Fiorentino's The Theory of the Loser Class.
Book Signings
Participating authors' books are sold in the Blue Metropolis Bookstore, usually in the main exhibition location. Authors generally go to the festival bookstore for book signings right after their scheduled events, giving the public a chance to meet their favorite writers.
Blue Metropolis International Literary Grand Prix
The Blue Met Grand Prix pays yearly homage to an author for lifetime achievement. Past winners include:
- 2008 Daniel Pennac
- 2007 Margaret Atwood
- 2006 Michel Tremblay
- 2005 Carlos Fuentes
- 2004 Paul Auster
- 2003 Maryse Condé
- 2002 Mavis Gallant
- 2001 Norman Mailer
Soirées de Poésie ("Poetry Nights")
The title says it all. Writers gather and recite their works.
Translation Slam
A popular yearly event, two poets duke it out and the recitations are translated on the spot.
Educational Programs
Designed for kids and youth at the elementary, secondary and cegep levels, Blue Metropolis Educational Programs give students the opportunity to meet authors, cartoonists, photographers and other professionals in literary and documentary fields as well as stimulate their creativity through a variety of hands-on workshops.
Day 1: Wednesday at the Blue Met
Day 2: Thursday at the Blue Met
Day 3: Friday at the Blue Met
Day 4: Saturday at the Blue Met
Day 5: Sunday at the Blue Met
Consult the Blue Metropolis website for a complete listing of events, participating authors and other highlights.
