New partnership with Bloomsbury Qatar Foundation Publishing.
Atef Abu Saif, a writer and journalist from the Gaza Strip, is set to begin the Arab Writer’s residency 8-week programme in London this week. A partnership between Bloomsbury Qatar Foundation Publishing (BQFP) and Delfina Foundation, the residency provides emerging writers from the Middle East with the opportunity to research, write and engage with a broad range of cultural practitioners as well as creative thinkers in London.
Born in Jabalia refugee camp in the Gaza Strip in 1973, Abu Saif currently teaches Political Science at the University of Al-Azhar, Gaza, and regularly writes articles from Gaza for the New York Times, Slate and other major publications. He has also authored five novels, the most recent of which, A Suspended Life, was shortlisted for the IPAF award in 2015.
Aaron Cezar, Director of Delfina Foundation said, “It is fantastic Atef is starting his residency at Delfina Foundation today. We are so pleased to have him in London and are looking forward to ensuring this gifted writer has the opportunity to meet and exchange ideas with range of artists during his time here.”
During the residency, Abu Saif will work with other writers and artists as well as participate in a variety of literary events, such as the Shubbak Festival, where he will be speaking on a panel titled “Hot off the Press” with Syrian dissident and author Samar Yazbek. Furthermore, he will develop work, which will be considered for publication by BQFP in Arabic and English.
“We are excited for Atef to begin this exceptional programme with the Delfina Foundation,” said Thalia Suzuma, Head of English Publishing at BQFP. “Atef is clearly a talented writer, creative thinker and astute observer of the human experience and we look forward to seeing how this residency will further develop his work”.