The LEILA project is threefold: to structure a network of actors and organisations in the field of Euro-Arab literature and publishing; to promote the “discoverability” of the new Arabic-language literary scene in Europe via a selection of books and authors; and to strengthen the capabilities and visibility of a new European generation of Arabic translators.

To do so we organise events to create and strengthen a network of book professionals and all those involved in culture..

• Our Professional Meetings were held in 2021 (Paris, France), 2022 (Tunis, Tunisia) and 2023 (Berlin, Germany), where discussions focussed on translation, co-editions and the distribution of Arabic literature in Europe, bringing together more than 60 professionals from European and Arab countries. 

Additionally, we organised two translator residencies, led by ATLAS in Arles, France, where 20 translators discussed their practices, challenges and problem-solving.

• Our public events, curated by BOZAR and the Mahmoud Darwish Chair in Brussels, Belgium, bring together authors from the Arab world, who present their art and work to a wide audience. Meetings have been a great success, with all events booked to full capacity, showing that Arabic literature has a great number of people from diverse backgrounds.

• Book fairs our team takes part in, to present the LEILA initiative.