The Festival of Literary Diversity (FOLD) celebrated its inaugural festival this past May, from the 6-8, and was a resounding success. The FOLD brought in over 50 writers, storytellers, performers, and publishing professionals from across Canada for a weekend of storytelling and literary engagement.
The FOLD saw over 600 attendees over the course of the weekend. 40% of the attendees were from Brampton, with approximately 30% of attendees coming from Toronto, 20% of attendees coming from the wider GTA, and 5% from outside the GTA, some coming to the festival from as far away as Ottawa and Windsor.
The FOLD spent approximately $25,000 on Brampton businesses in order to put on the event, and 75% of surveyed guests spent money while at the FOLD. Festivalgoers were eager to sample and explore local businesses, with T By Daniel being a fast favourite among those who were there for the weekend. Many festivalgoers had never been to Brampton before and were thrilled with their experiences in the city—from the FOLD through to the Festival’s interaction with local businesses, attendees were excited and inspired by the diversity and innovation inherent in the city.
The FOLD is committed to enriching Brampton’s cultural economy—avid readers and arts enthusiasts who might have previously had to travel to Toronto to partake in literary events can now delight in the fact that the FOLD has brought and will continue to bring world-class writers and artists to Brampton, both during the festival itself and in ongoing programming throughout the year. Brampton is a vibrant, exciting place, and the increased focus on arts events in the city will help to nurture and celebrate both the city’s own artistic talent and its reputation as a place where artists from all walks of life can create, work, and thrive.
For more information, please contact:
Jael Richardson, Artistic Director
The Festival of Literary Diversity (FOLD)
416-829-1995
director@thefoldcanada.org
