Written in the Margins — Book Saturday at Tensta konsthall

Tensta konsthall: info@tenstakonsthall.se

Drawing on Shubigi Rao's exhibition Pulp I—IV, we are joining forces with Tensta Library to invite you to a full day of conversations, discussions, readings and workshops.

The title Pulp—which is also the name of Rao's ten-year project—carries multiple meanings. Pulp refers both to the materiality of books and to the act of destroying paper, but also to the fuzzy or fragile nature of the printed word and our shared knowledge and stories.

What role does literature play in tomorrow's democracy? How can libraries work for free speech and diversity – and how do we respond to self-censorship? How do we activate the public space when its infrastructure is challenged or weakened? What does it mean to publish your own book today? How is self-publishing an artistic and political tool, and how do you get your book into the library?

During the afternoon, we will be holding a discussion on the role of literature and libraries in democracy with our invited guests:
Elisabeth Aquilonius, City Librarian in Stockholm
Agri Ismaïl, author and member of the jury for Tensta Konsthall’s Text Prize
Jasmina Dizdarević Cordero and Mia Dahlqvist from the Dawit Isaak Library in Malmö
Meron Mangasha, screenwriter and poet
Nemat (Namo) Alimoradi, owner of Kitab-i Arzan, bookseller in Akalla
Lawen Mohtadi, journalist and writer
The discussion will be moderated by Dan Hallemar, a writer specialising in cities and architecture. In 2022, he published the book Folkbiblioteket together with photographer Bert Leandersson.

Program 12:00 Doors open

13:00–14:30 Talks

Part I
The library as social infrastructure.
Is literature society’s shock absorber?
How can institutions counteract censorship and self-censorship?
Elisabeth Aquilonius, Jasmina Dizdarević Cordero & Mia Dahlqvist, and Nemat (Namo) Alimoradi

Part II
Who controls the supply of books?
Is literature society’s shock absorber?
Are censorship and self-censorship a problem in an increasingly restricted democracy?
Meron Mangasha, Agri Ismaïl, and Lawen Mohtadi

14:30 Break

15:00 Award Ceremony – Tensta konsthall Text Prize 2026:
Berina Mujic, Dario Rafaelli, Hannah Grönberg Brygdes, and Vera Wrange
Jury: Agri Ismaïl, Nora Khalil, and Lina Rydén Reynols

15:20 Open Mic: poet Nawroz Zakholy with guests
Take the opportunity to read a short text you’d like to share with others!
Max 3–4 minutes per person.
Sign up at: nawroz.zakholy@gmail.com

16:00 “We Read Banned Books”
Librarians Karin Cellton and Patrik Schylström talk about books that have been banned throughout history. Some were banned for religious and political reasons, but others for much more unusual ones.

Throughout the day:
Book table in the café – want to participate? Bring self-published books or zines! (Bring your own swish QR-code or number to sell your books).
Open café with refreshments.

At the same time at Tensta Library (15:00–17:00):
Workshop “Do Your Own Fanzine” with Niklas Wallenborg. Free. For ages 13–100!
We’ll explore self-publishing as an artistic and political tool and create our own fanzines—self-produced, non-commercial magazines or booklets that you’ll take home with you at the end of the workshop. The workshop is led by artist and zine publisher Niklas Wallenborg, founder of the micro-publishers Sci-fi is For Real and Going Underground, among others. Secure your spot by booking here!