elk - European Literature Festival Cologne-Kalk

Every year on the first weekend of September, the European Literature Festival Cologne-Kalk (elk) invites visitors to Ottmar-Pohl-Platz to experience literature in all its diversity. Initiated by Integrationshaus e.V., parasitenpresse, KLiteratur, and KUNTS e.V., the festival opens doors to a utopian vision of a dialogical Europe beyond boundaries. With multilingual readings, intercultural talks, diverse art projects, and participatory workshops, elk creates a space where literature builds bridges between languages, cultures, and people.

The festival places particular emphasis on participation and accessibility: with no admission fee and an accessible atmosphere, the idea of an open Europe can be experienced with all the senses. International guests, artistic diversity, and local involvement interweave to form a lively point of reference for community and exchange. In this collective living room, the power of literature is not only readable but also tangible.