Ben Okri & Rosemary Clunie: The True Artist Breaks Out of Jail

What is the role of the artist in a troubled world? Booker Prize-winning novelist Ben Okri joins artist Rosemary Clunie to discuss their collaboration, The True Artist Breaks Out of Jail. Blending prose with visual art, the book is a powerful meditation on creativity, freedom, imagination and resistance in an increasingly uncertain age.

At a time when creativity can feel both more vulnerable and more vital than ever, Okri and Clunie explore why art remains one of our greatest tools for making sense of the world, challenging accepted truths and imagining new possibilities. Together, they’ll reflect on the responsibility of the artist, the power of stories and images to shape our lives, and the enduring importance of hope in difficult times.

For anyone curious about the place of creativity in society, this promises to be a rich, inspiring and thought-provoking conversation with two visionary artists about meaning, imagination and the transformative power of art.

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Events last one hour unless otherwise stated, followed by a book signing in The Clearing. Our official bookseller is Waterstones.

Folkestone Book Festival is our annual celebration of stories, ideas and conversation by the sea. Curated by novelist Sophie Haydock (The Flames, Madame Matisse), this year’s festival brings together more than 60 events across two weeks, welcoming world-class writers, thinkers and storytellers to Folkestone.

Discover another event, browse the bookshop, explore Folkestone’s vibrant arts scene, independent cafés, bars and galleries, and share the experience with a friend. The best festivals are as much about the conversations between events as those on stage.

The Festival is part of Folkestone is a Library, our ambitious town-wide celebration of reading, writing and storytelling, helping make Folkestone one of the UK’s most exciting literary destinations.

We believe great conversations should be for everyone, which is why every event includes a £5 Cost of Living Ticket, available with no questions asked.

Please help us spread the word. Together, we’re building a thriving community of readers, writers and curious minds.

Folkestone Book Festival is proudly supported by Eurotunnel, Canterbury Christ Church University, Holiday Extras, and the Friends of Folkestone Book Festival. Creative Folkestone is supported by Arts Council England, Folkestone & Hythe District Council and Saga. Founding Funder The Roger De Haan Charitable Trust.