Litquake sparks critical conversations, and inspires writers and readers to celebrate the written word with diverse literary programming, ​interactive workshops, and a ten-day festival. Whether it’s poets reciting in a cathedral, authors discussing science versus religion in a library, or novelists reading in a beekeeping supply store, the goal remains the same: whet a broad range of literary appetites, present the literary fare in a variety of traditional and unlikely venues, and make it vivid, real, and entertaining. Now grown to the largest independent literary festival on the West Coast, Litquake continues its mission as a ten-day literary spectacle for booklovers, complete with cutting-edge panel discussions, unique cross-media events, and hundreds of readings.

The Goethe-Institut is the cultural institute of the Federal Republic of Germany with a global reach. We promote knowledge of the German language abroad and foster international cultural cooperation. We convey a comprehensive image of Germany by providing information about cultural, social and political life in our nation. Our cultural and educational programmes encourage intercultural dialogue and enable cultural involvement. They strengthen the development of structures in civil society and foster worldwide mobility.

City Lights Books is a landmark independent bookstore and publisher that specializes in world literature, the arts, and progressive politics.

The Grid is a global network connecting artists and technologists. Launched in Silicon Valley, it has since transformed into a multi-stakeholder platform of artists, technologists, cultural institutions, policy makers, and the global tech industry.