Introducing ‘alles außer flach,’ the thematic representation of literature from Flanders and The Netherlands at the 2023 and 2024 Leipziger Buchmesse. Located in the Low Countries, a region characterized by meandering ditches, expansive meadows, and straight roads, lies a rich tapestry of literary expression often overlooked. To illuminate this wealth of contemporary prose and gifted writers, the Dutch Foundation for Literature and Flanders Literature will jointly be the Guest of Honour Country in 2024 in Leipzig, Germany.

Our approach for this nationwide festival is marked by showcasing interdisciplinary projects and aims to introduce a new generation of writers and artists from the neighboring countries of Belgium and the Netherlands to the German audience. The focus extends beyond conventional book presentations, embracing topical themes that transcend boundaries. Integral to our approach is a dynamic exchange with other artistic disciplines, including the performing and visual arts, the creative industry, and film — all vital components in championing literature.

Having won the pitch, our studio was entrusted with crafting the event’s identity, establishing its online presence, designing the exhibition stand, and producing the print materials. For this year’s exhibition stand, we collaborated with Brussels-based architects Raf Geysen and Alice Babini, alongside Dutch designer Dirk van der Kooij. As a studio situated in both Flanders and the Netherlands, this project represents a fusion of the two nations and our two studios.