Biel is a city right at the language border, which is characterised by multiculturalism. Also, Biel is very easily accessible by the long-distance public-transport network. So we decided to offer a program which is broad and polyglot. Our aim is to induce publishers, sales, magazines and organisations, which have a domination-free self-image and/or libertarian literature – to take part in the bookfair. We want to enable an exchange across countries and language frontiers with a broad range of speeches, readings, workshops and screenings. The “Farel-Saal” is very big and the open and bright architecture makes it the perfect place for such an event. There is a large inner yard which is ideal for informal exchanges between the visitors, activists and offerers. Last but not least there will be a cultural program, which will provide our hearts and minds with independent fuel. Speaking of supply: the well-frequented bistro will be re-enacted in 2013. So again, we’ll have an exciting choice of sandwiches, cakes, snacks and drinks.

For responsible persons of an anarchist publisher or sales, as writer or member of a libertarian organization, it is possible to present your books, leaflets, pamphlets, newspapers, CDs, clothes at the bookfair. Basically it is good if you appear in person. But there is the possibility to send us some material free of charge, which we will present. In this case we ask you to send us information by e-mail in advance.
We provide chairs, tables, and also sleeping accommodations. To make things easier, it would be nice if you could write in your registration, how many tables you need and how many people want to join us. A table is around 5,2 x 2,6 ft in size. To defray the the costs incurred we charge a fee (CHF 20/stand). This fee has to be paid on the first day of the bookfair. But these facts shouldn`t keep you from joining us! If you are not able to pay it, please get in touch with us.
As an exhibitor you can get in contact with us via the contact form on our website. The closing date for applications is the 31st April 2011. Perhaps it might not be possible to consider delayed applications.

If you want to present a paper-speech, or do a workshop with an anarchist topic or maybe act a play, make libertarian music, or other arts, we have some space for it at the bookfair. Because of the limited budget we won’t be able to pay you. We can offer you accommodation instead. To make work easier we ask you to use the contact form on our website. It would be best for you to contact us as early as possible, so we can advertise your program to your potential audience. The closing date for applications is the 31st April 2011. Perhaps it might not be possible to consider delayed applications.

We are happy for every helping hand, who joins us to organise the bookfair!
At the forefront we need people, who help us with the publicity. If you realise, that there are no flyers in your town or village or if you want to prettify some places by billing your city, then we are happy to send you some material. Maybe you have a website or you are interested in online forums or community sites – have a look at the data topic from our website. There are nice banners in different sizes and colors. Are you a journalist or an editor? We are happy about every published pointer. There are fitting newspaper ads on our website. Are you living near Biel and in the mood of taking part in the organisation? Great! We’d love to get in contact with nice guys who want to support us.
During the bookfair we are happy about every person who can help. Urgently required are people, who live in Biel and who have some space to harbor visitors of the bookfair, Also we need helpers for cleaning, arranging, clearing up, bar-shifts etc.

The anarchist bookfair is a non-commercial event without financial support from national or commercial sponsors, so we don’t have much money to spend. That`s why we are happy about every donation – most helpful in the run-up to the event. It`s very simple: the more money we have, the more we can offer and help the offerers, who need support.

You can pay the donation like this:

Verein für libertäre Kultur – VlK
8400 Winterthur
Postkonto 855920362
Vermerk: Buchmesse 2011
IBAN: CH66 0900 0000 8559 2036 2
BIC: POFICHBEXXX

There will be cash boxes for donations at the bookfair itself. We are grateful about these direct donations as well!

If you are a visitor of the bookfair, you will find a broad offer of anarchist literature and music in different languages. You can participate the bookfair, speeches, lectures and workshops free of charge. There is a review about the offerers and the program on the website.
In 2011 there will even be some free accommodation available for those who come from far away. Nevertheless we don`t have much money, so we’re not planning to rent extra spaces. We depend on the helpfulness of solidary people from Biel. If you are from outside Biel: the earlier you book officially, the bigger is your chance of getting a warm sleeping place. In case we have no more place, there is a list with other cheap possibilities to sleep. There will be an infodesk at the Farelsaal. Here you can ask all questions concerning the bookfair. the program, the principle of the fair, sleeping accommodations, local public transport, and Biel in general.

The “Bistro” offers catering (vegan too) for fair prices. At evenings, the “public kitchen” will cook up some tasty meals.

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Biel/Bienne is the only larger Town right at the French-German language border, It is situated between the northern end of the same-named lake and the southeastern tails of the Berner Jura – an important place of the watch-making industries in the world. Also there is a strong precision- and machine industry, but since the 1970s these industries have experienced a downfall. So the city has a tradition which is influenced by proletarians. Only some miles away from Biel was the epicentre of the famous “Fédération Jurassienne“, the anarchist section of the First Internationals.
Thanks to a strong left-wing movement it has been possible to create a running network of self- governed institutions from the 1970s onwards. Today a vital squatter scene, who publishes the magazine “LaBlatt” and an anarchist infoshop have joined the older autonomous concert-hall “Chessu” and the punk-caravan settlement “Schrottbar”.

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For the sake of the environment we advise our visitors to choose public transport for the journey. To arrive in Biel this way is really easy. From Zurich or Basel it will take a little more than an hour, from Geneva around 1 and a half hours and from Milan just under 4 hours. If you have questions concerning the journey with public transport, you can find timetables and tickets and prices on the website of the Swiss Federal Railways (http://www.sbb.ch) All venues of the bookfair are accessible on foot in 10 minutes from the train station. There is a well developed bus network in Biel as well(http://carrus.ch).

Oberer Quai 12
2502 Biel/Bienne
You know, the relationship between Anarchism and Christianity isn`t really easy. Nonetheless the Farelsall – a civic centre – is availible for the bookfair. It is the perfect atmosphere: centrally located, a lot of space, bright, open, with a kitchen and an enormous organ. Also there is a huge inner yard which we can use. It’s perfect for getting in contact, to drink a coffee or to discuss something.

Kongresshausparkplatz
2503 Biel/Bienne
http://www.chessu.ch
The concert-hall named “Chessu” or in french “Coupole” – because of its former usage as a gas holder – reinvented itself as a self-governed youth centre in 1975. Even today it is the “heart” of the alternative movement in Biel. Over time many projects have been raised, a living community, a Sleep-In, the “Villa Fantasie” and many more. The circular architecture is perfect for concerts and theaters.

Wydenauweg 38
2503 Biel/Bienne
http://www.labiu.ch
This squat near the train station has existed for almost 4 years now. Actually, the town wanted to use the space as a parking. So they demanded the parking taxes, which have now been omitted. At the entrance of the LaBiu you can see a sculpture made of scrap metal as a sign of the creativity of the residents. Also there is a free-shop, some workshops and art studios, practice rooms and an underground-bar with a stage. In sum: the best place for minor arts at the bookfair.

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Switzerland is known as an expensive country, also we have our own currency – the Swiss Franc. To visitors which are economising, we suggest to cater for yourself if possible. If you get in contact with us in good time, we can organise a sleeping accommodation for free. Otherwise you have to calculate at least 70 Francs for hotel and food a day. To draw money from the cash machine isn`t a good idea, because of the high fees. Normally offerers from the Euro-area are glad if the costumer pays in Euros. Because of the high changing fees its better for us Swiss people if you pay in francs. For sure it is possible to pay the stand rental in Euros. We are grateful for donations in Euros as well.

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The organising committee of the anarchist bookfair Biel/Bienne 2011 is composed of half a dozen people from all over the country. With the whole enthusiasm of activists, libertarians, organizers, squatters, journalists and practical people and their experiences, it is our aim to create a rich and good program.