The Regional Department for the Communities organized the Meeting of Azorean Writers Abroad, which took place in Angra do Heroísmo, Terceira Island, between June 25 and 29, 2003.

This initiative was attended by 15 writers coming from the United States, Canada and Norway, whose work towards the divulgation of Portuguese poetry and literature has been of great importance, especially within these communities.

Objectives:

-         Reflect about what emigration and the communities’ daily life have brought to the literary creation of these writers;

-         Discuss about future possibilities of literary creation on the emigration issue.

Conclusions:

The Meeting of Azorean Writers Abroad was the answer to an old need, once the specificity of the participants would contribute unquestionably to a deeper knowledge of the reality of the Azorean communities abroad, in what concern creative writing and its divulgation.

It was also a moment to share knowledge and affections, with the presence of people of all ages.

Several reactions and suggestions were presented during the meeting. To refer, the need of maintaining and encouraging the narrative speech of identity, promoting, simultaneously and efficiently, its divulgation by the Azorean communities, libraries and bookshops, since this effort may lead to a careful reflection about emigration.

The need of a greater propagation of Azorean authors’ books with the North American “mainstream” was also pointed out. This propagation should be spread into the Portuguese space itself.

The importance of increasing the number of papers to translate was also referred, in order to provide a wider choice and to give a more realistic view of the importance of the Azorean writers’ creation.

The following editions, both in Portuguese and English, were pointed out:

-Brief History of the Azores

- Anthology of the Azorean Tale / Short Story

- Anthology of Azorean Emigration Poetry 

- Anthology of Poems by Pedro da Silveira

It is important to mention that, at this moment, several editorial projects are at a starting level, giving form to the suggestions presented during similar events. Also, these projects intend to encourage the continuity of this kind of event.

The teaching of Portuguese language in schools and institutions through reading activities with children and youngsters was considered very important. 

The participants suggested the organization of exhibitions with Azorean books and of small book markets.

The use of new communication technologies was referred as a vital tool in the divulgation and promotion of Azorean writing.

The importance of organizing this kind of event was also pointed out, giving special attention to the inclusion of young writers as it was done in this edition. In fact, these events have been very important, since the first edition “Maia Writers Meeting – S. Miguel Island”.