This first annual conference of the new cycle will bring together representatives from the world of culture, education, politics, economics, journalism and civil society on 15 October in San Lorenzo de El Escorial.
The Vargas Llosa Chair begins a new phase, promoted by the International Freedom Foundation, on 15 October with the event 'A meeting for culture in freedom', which will combine culture, commitment to the promotion of freedom and gastronomy. The event will be held between 12:00 and 19:00 at Mario Sandoval's El Jaral de la Mira (San Lorenzo de El Escorial).
In this first edition of what will become an annual event, the writer will be accompanied by representatives from the world of culture, education, academics, businessmen, politicians and journalists from both sides of the Atlantic. With their presence, they will support an institution dedicated to promoting culture and literary creation, support writers, intellectuals and journalists, contribute to promoting art and exchange between cultures, stimulate reading and promote scholarships and innovative projects, among many other initiatives.
"I am very pleased to share the news that the Vargas Llosa Chair, which was born in 2011 in Madrid, now begins a new stage, in which, under the umbrella of the International Freedom Foundation (FIL), but maintaining its own profile and autonomy in its activities, it will continue, with renewed impetus, to contribute to the dissemination of literature and culture around the world, especially in Spanish-speaking countries on both sides of the Atlantic," says the writer, who also chairs the FIL.
In addition, the first edition of the Literature Festival 'Escribidores', organised by the Vargas Llosa Chair and the cultural centre 'La Térmica' in Málaga, will be presented.
The meal, which will consist of an Ibero-American lunch, will be hosted by chef Mario Sandoval, with the collaboration of his Peruvian counterpart Gastón Acurio.
The Vargas Llosa Chair
The Vargas Llosa Chair was created in 2011 with the aim of promoting the study of contemporary literature, fostering interest in reading and writing, supporting new Ibero-American literary creation, analysing the ideas of our time and developing models of technological innovation for education, research and scientific and cultural dissemination, as well as disseminating the work of Mario Vargas Llosa (Nobel Prize for Literature 2010). To achieve this, it carries out academic, creative and dissemination activities, such as prizes for novels, historical stories, journalism, literary competitions and festivals, grants, seminars, conferences, courses, colloquiums and support for new writers.
The Chair collaborates with companies and cultural and educational institutions from Spain, Mexico, Peru, Colombia, the United States, France and Sweden, and brings together universities that have awarded honoris causa or other distinctions relevant to the writer.
The International Freedom Foundation
The International Freedom Foundation (FIL), chaired by Mario Vargas Llosa, was founded in October 2002 with the main objective of defending those principles whose establishment constitutes the foundations of democracy, freedom and prosperity. It was set up on the initiative of a group of intellectuals and leading figures from think tanks from both sides of the Atlantic (United States, Latin America and Europe).
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