“We have invited the festival to Leipzig on the occasion of our 125th anniversary this year,” reported the Director of the German Central Library for the Blind (DZB), Prof. Dr. Thomas Kahlisch. “I am sure that the cosmopolitan city of Leipzig will be an excellent host and is ready for inclusive events. The subject of accessibility plays an important role of course."
Dr. Skadi Jennicke, Mayor and Delegate for Culture of the city of Leipzig adds an urban perspective: “The cultural diversity of our city is very close to my heart. And it troubles me to see that some people find it difficult to access events simply because they have a handicap. We want to change that! The Louis Braille Festival gives us more momentum for this and therefore we are happy to support it.” The festival is named after Louis Braille who developed the tactile writing system for blind people in 1825.
The main venue is the Congress Center at Leipzig Zoo. Festival participants can expect a wide variety of stage activities and opportunities to get involved. Leipzig Zoo, which is adjacent to the venue, is opening its doors with a stage programme tailored to festival visitors, a rally and other opportunities to join in. The festival has been planned with many inclusive elements so that a wide variety of cultural events in the city can be visited by blind and visually impaired guests and Leipzig residents.
On Saturday 6 July 2019, everyone is invited to Leipzig’s Wilhelm-Leuschner-Platz - for a bazaar of extraordinary opportunities and an evening stage show featuring Raul Midón and DOTA. A citywide communication campaign with the motto “Everyone, including you!” will provide information about this festival highlight and the rest of the programme from the middle of June 2019.
President of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier is the Patron of the Louis Braille Festival. It is organised by the German Federation of the Blind and Partially Sighted e.V. (DBSV) together with the German Central Library for the Blind (DZB) and is sponsored by Aktion Mensch. Other supporters include the Free State of Saxony, the City of Leipzig and Mitteldeutscher Rundfunk (MDR).
Time and Location
5-7 July 2019
Various locations in Leipzig