On Wednesday 14 February 2024, seventeen UK independent bookshops held events to raise money for the PEN Emergency Fund which will be ringfenced to provide support to writers at risk who are in and from Palestine. For every £1000 we raise, the PEN Emergency Fund will support one emergency grant to a Palestinian writer at risk.
Across the UK, indie bookstores will hold their own special events, including readings, with door prizes donated by publisher partners. All proceeds will go through a central page donating to English PEN (a registered UK charity), who will transfer all funds raised to the PEN Emergency Fund, based in Amsterdam.
As part of the Bristol Valentines for Palestine fundraiser event, Bookhaus Bristol hosted Sabrin Hasbun, Mira Mattar, Travis Alabanza and Zakiya McKenzie for a night of artistic solidarity and resistance in support of Palestine. The four participating artists delivered a selection of readings from published and upcoming poetry and prose work.
For tickets and more information click here: https://www.headfirstbristol.co.uk/whats-on/bookhaus/wed-14-feb-valentines-for-palestine-103254#e103254.