Kapittel, the Stavanger International Festival for Literature and Freedom of Expression, is one of Norway’s largest literary festivals and has developed into an important literary arena both nationally and internationally.
Kapittel was established in 1995 by Sølvberget Library and Cultural Centre, which remains the organiser and main venue for the festival. The festival was created in the wake of Uke Alexander and Stavanger’s designation as a city of refuge, and the principles of literature and freedom of expression continue to be a cornerstone of Kapittel. The international city of refuge network ICORN and the new Kielland Centre are both based at Sølvberget and are among the festival’s key partners, alongside a range of other cultural actors in the region.
Knowledge and Cultural Experiences
Kapittel is a socially engaged festival, with the concept of freedom of expression running throughout the programme. At the same time, the festival is one of Norway’s most important arenas for both Norwegian and international fiction. Kapittel also has a tradition of giving poetry and illustrated literature a prominent place in the programme, alongside other artistic expressions such as documentary film, theatre, dance, visual arts and music.
Kapittel is characterised by a broad literary perspective, offering knowledge and literary experiences to children, young people and adults. Kapittel Junior and Kapittel Ung are the festival’s programmes for children and youth, while Kapittel Film is the festival’s own documentary programme.
The festival director for 2026 is Ida Pallin Bostadløkken.