WORD Christchurch Writers and Readers Festival starts this evening (Wednesday 27 August) with a talk about a book about the Cardboard Cathedral starring architect Shigeru Ban and the book’s author Dr Andrew Barrie. In the Cathedral, about the Cathedral, and by the person who designed it – that’s a meta start to the Festival.
It is also symbolic of the Festival itself. As Philip Matthews says in his excellent article in today’s Press:
That is a natural place to start for a festival that has its own story to tell about recovery, rebirth and the support of the Christchurch community for local forms of expression.
I am keen to go tonight, having watched its progress – from a twinkle in Shigeru Ban’s eye, to a fascinating cardboard roll structure, to its current status as a popular event venue as well as a cathedral. This will be the first event I’ve attended in it.
- Find out more about the Cardboard Cathedral event and ticketing info
- Search our catalogue for Shigeru Ban
- Our quick festival questions with Andrew Barrie
- Photos of the Cardboard Cathedral
This Festival is full of literature, challenge, poetry, music, comics, ideas, and also that powerful Christchurch connection.
Christchurch City Libraries will have bloggers going to sessions and reporting back. We have 39 quick interviews with festival guests online – and they’ve got lots of ideas and words that’ll get you in the WORD mood. See you there!
- Read more WORD Christchurch Writers and Readers Festival posts
- Our page on WORD Christchurch
