How far has Arab literature evolved, how far has it travelled? What messages are the new generation of storytellers giving us?

Beirut39 inspires a fresh look at modern Arab literature. A collaboration between the Hay Festival and Beirut World Capital of the Book 2009, the project will bring together 39 of the most interesting writers of Arab heritage under 39 years of age.

The selected writers were chosen by a jury of four well-known and respected Arab writers, academics and journalists: Abdo Wazen, Saif al-Rahbi, Alawiya Sobh, and Dr. Gaber Asfour.

The Alliance of Artists Communities will join Beirut39 in supporting a new generation of Arab writers by offering residencies to Beirut39 writers in artists' communities throughout the world. This partnership is being coordinated by Alliance member-at-large Lori Wood. To-date, 22 artists' communities in 5 countries are partnering with the Alliance to offer residencies to Beirut39 writers. Alliance member programs support living artists in the creation of new work, in the belief that the cultivation of new art and ideas is essential to human progress. Residencies will take place from 2010 through 2012.

For more information, visit www.beirut39.com.