Neil Gaiman, author of the Newbery-winning The Graveyard Book, is among the authors set to appear at Luminato in June. Neil Gaiman, author of the Newbery-winning The Graveyard Book, is among the authors set to appear at Luminato in June. (Philippe Matas/HarperCollins/Associated Press)

A host of Gothic-inspired literary readings and a public Q & A with fantasy and science fiction writer Neil Gaiman will add to the previously announced Edgar Allan Poe-related events at this year's Luminato arts festival, Toronto organizers have announced.

The additions were the latest in a series revealing the lineup for the third edition of the annual festival, slated for June 5 to 14.

To help mark the 200th anniversary of Poe's birth — and to complement Poe-themed events in Luminato's theatre, dance and musical programs this year — the festival has added readings of recent horror and suspense writing by top authors, including Sarah Langan, Patrick McGrath, Ann-Marie MacDonald and Monique Proulx.

Gaiman, recently in the news for his Newbery-winning novel for children The Graveyard Book and the film adaptation of his hit book Coraline, will discuss his work with writer and Space Channel founding producer Mark Askwith. He'll also take audience questions.

Other literary offerings will include readings by international stars such as Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Booker-winner Aravind Adiga, as well as by popular children's authors such as Marie-Louise Gay and Marthe Jocelyn.

Free visual art installations downtown

Luminato curators have also commissioned a series of visual art installations and invited art stars to stage works around downtown Toronto during the festival, either outdoors or in prominent indoor public spaces.

Installations will include:

  • A music-inspired photo exhibit — curated in conjunction with Luminato's guitar festival events — featuring the images of The Police guitarist and photographer Andy Summers, Lucie Award-winner Ralph Gibson and renowned musician photographer Danny Clinch.
  • A video, sound and sculptural projection by artist Tony Oursler in Grange Park behind the Art Gallery of Ontario.
  • An exhibit of photographer Raphael Mazzucco's images.
  • A series of performance pieces inspired by the multicultural Kensington Market neighbourhood, staged on-site.
  • The Canadian debut of artist Kurt Perschke's RedBall Project and public sculpture at various locations around Toronto.
  • A series of communications-inspired works by Canadian artists like Germaine Koh, David Rokeby and Belgian collective LAb mounted in public spaces in the business district.

Previously announced Luminato program highlights include the North American debut of Robert Lepage's nine-hour multimedia epic Lipsynch, a star-studded tribute to music icon Neil Young and free, outdoor concerts by Randy Bachman, blues great Taj Mahal and Brazilian guitar masters.