With Thanks …
From its inception the Irrawaddy Literary Festival was a philanthropic entity. It operated on a not-for-profit basis, with everyone involved, including the organisers and the international and Myanmar authors, giving their time, expertise and commitment on a pro-bono basis. Following the inaugural Festival in Yangon (at which a nominal entrance fee of around $1 was charged), there were no entry or attendance charges of any kind at any of the subsequent Festivals.
It would be impossible to list everyone whose support contributed to the Festivals happening, but the International Board would like to highlight a few people and organisations whose help was particularly crucial.
In no particular order:
The Myanmar ILF Board led by Saya U Nay Oke and Dr Aung Myint who remain determined to revive the Festival when circumstances allow
Tina May Thwin Oo – British Embassy, Yangon
Richard Mayhew (formerly General Manager of the Mandalay Hills Resort Hotel)
The wonderful and tireless ILF volunteers and interpreters from Yangon and Mandalay (led by U San Htay)
Innwa Books, Yangon
David Parrish, Penguin Books
The U.S. Jefferson Centre, Mandalay, Myanmar
The U.S. and British Embassies in Myanmar
The Mercure Mandalay Hills Resort Hotel, Mandalay
Philip Couvaras, formerly General Manager Traders Hotel, Yangon
The University of Melbourne
