eLk × eLk × eLk × eLk = eLk to the fourth power × one

After three editions of eLk, the miracle of the many functions of voices has become almost ordinary, and with great pride we can now announce at the fourth eLk: voices are multifunctional. The climbing plant has continued to grow and has now taken the shape of an octopus, moving calmly through the world with its many ink-splashing personalities.

But when we look back at eLk³, we are startled. By our own prophetic abilities. And by the fact that the contradiction between eLk and Europe can be even greater than it already was in 2021. Yet we continue to rely on eLk's stubborn resistance to European lobbying and realpolitik.

It is therefore time for the preamble of the European Literature Festival Cologne-Kalk: The makers of eLk are determined to share a literary future with many people, based on common visions, by coming together each year as a festival union in Cologne-Kalk.

Conscious of its philosophical, historical, and contemporary heritage, this festival union is founded upon the indivisible and universal values of human dignity, freedom, equality, and solidarity. It places people, literature, languages, and togetherness at the heart of its actions, creating through the festival a space of freedom, enjoyment, and community.

eLk contributes to preserving and developing these shared values while respecting the diversity of cultures, languages, and traditions of the people of Europe and beyond at the local level. eLk strives to promote balanced and sustainable development and ensures the free movement of people, literature, languages, and voices, as well as the freedom to gather on the Otti.

Hosting eLk carries responsibilities and obligations, both toward one another and toward the wider human community and future generations.

Agreed? Then this way, please: Welcome!