January 29, 2025
The Gibraltar National Book Council (GNBC) is delighted to confirm its role in promoting literary arts and supporting authors in Gibraltar. The GNBC remains dedicated to nurturing the development of local talent, advocating for literacy initiatives, and creating platforms to celebrate Gibraltar’s literary scene. Its mission also includes providing guidance and resources to aspiring authors, facilitating access to publishing opportunities and connecting Gibraltar’s literary voices to international audiences.
In the last year it is pleased to have supported local authors at the London Book Fair, a local poet at an international festival, as well as leading on various writing workshops. GNBC members have also taken on the role of judging local competitions and will be supporting Gibraltar Cultural Services’ (GCS) young author mentorship scheme which is already underway. The GNBC team has also been involved in supporting initiatives to embrace Gibraltar’s Llanito language.
The Council is thrilled to welcome two new members to its ranks: Louis Emmitt-Stern, a published award-winning writer for stage and screen, and Josephine Cassaglia, a publishing professional with expertise in publicity and editorial collaboration. They join Melissa Bosano, Jonathan Pizarro, GCS CEO Seamus Byrne and other representatives from Gibraltar Cultural Services, further strengthening the Council’s mission.
Minister for Culture, The Hon Christian Santos GMD MP, said: “Louis and Josephine are two professionals in their fields with the knowledge and enthusiasm to impart practical advice and support to the Council, to authors in the making and to the wider literary scene in Gibraltar. I wish to congratulate the Council on their work so far and I am sure, with Louis and Josephine on board, their reach and impact will be even more widely felt.”
Editors’ note:
Louis Emmitt-Stern brings a wealth of experience and creativity to the GNBC. An accomplished playwright, Louis has earned recognition both locally and internationally. He won Soho Theatre’s Tony Craze Award for his play SLIPPERY, which is currently in development for production in autumn 2025. His groundbreaking play, I F*CKED YOU IN MY SPACESHIP*, received a critically acclaimed premiere at VAULT Festival, winning the Origins Award for Outstanding New Work, before transferring to Soho Theatre and garnering praise as "a rising star playwright" by Time Out. Louis’ other notable works include a stage adaptation of Jane Austen’s Mansfield Park, performed at Austen’s House, and Snakes and Ladders at Southwark Playhouse. In 2023, he was honoured with the Special Recognition Award at the annual Cultural Awards in Gibraltar. Louis’ dedication to storytelling and his ties to Gibraltar’s cultural scene make him a vital addition to the GNBC.
Josephine Cassaglia, a proud Gibraltarian working in publishing, brings invaluable industry knowledge to the GNBC. As Publicity Officer at Duckworth Books, one of the UK’s longest-running publishing houses, Josephine’s multifaceted role has allowed her to gain hands-on experience in publicity, editorial, marketing and sales. Her collaborative approach and insights into the publishing world will be instrumental in supporting local authors and helping them navigate the path to publication. Josephine’s commitment to fostering literary excellence and her passion for empowering Gibraltarian voices align perfectly with the GNBC’s mission.