The Book Fair in Paris combines the promotion of reading on a large scale with industry events. Every year, the fair is visited by 200,000 readers. Over 1200 publishers present their offer, there are about 500 meetings with authors with the participation of representatives of 50 countries. Salon du Livre is one of the largest book fairs in Europe.
“The presentation of Polish culture abroad is one of the most important tasks of the Ministry headed by me, which is why the Ministry of Culture is pleased to support initiatives that promote our literature. One of these events is certainly the presence of Krakow and Wrocław as special guests at the Book Fair in Paris. It is a great joy for me, as participation in the largest French-speaking book fair is a great opportunity not only to present the literary heritage of both cities, but also to present the work of contemporary Polish authors to readers in France, Canada and the countries of North Africa.
I hope that the wide offer of the Polish stand will encourage the guests of the Paris fair to learn more about our culture, especially that they will have the opportunity to meet its most popular and respected representatives. I am convinced that our proposals will reach a wide audience – lovers of prose, poetry, reportage, history and film. For many years Polish culture has enjoyed high esteem worldwide, becoming our best brand“– said the Minister of Culture and National Heritage, prof. Małgorzata Omilanowska.
At the Krakow and Wrocław stand at the Paris Book Fair, readers will be able to meet artists representing the most important contemporary Polish culture. These include: Joanna Bator, Marek Bieńczyk, Iwona Chmielewska, Norman Davies, Artur Domosławski, Ludwik Flaszen, Urszula Kozioł, Marek Krajewski, Ryszard Krynicki, Ewa Lipska, Zygmunt Miłoszewski, Joanna Olech, Roman Polański, Grzegorz Rosiński, Tomasz Różycki, Marzena Sowa, Mariusz Szczygieł, Wojciech Tochman, Olga Tokarczuk, Agata Tuszyńska and Krzysztof Varga. The list will be complemented by outstanding Polish and European humanists.
Krakow and Wrocław, in cooperation with the Book Institute, prepared a rich and varied program for the Fair. Cultural landscapes of both cities make up a rich literary panorama of Polish identity, built in the spirit of intercultural dialogue at the crossroads between East and West, between history and modernity. Prominent writers, treasures of world literature and discussions of critical issues affecting the humanities – in the intellectual ferment of creative and innovative cities of literature there is something for everyone. The program will also feature meetings on children’s literature and comics.
The Polish stand, which will occupy an area of 200 square meters, will also present selected publishers. There will be business meetings, also those intended for librarians.
Organizers of the Polish presentation: The Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, The Book Institute, The Office of the European Capital of Culture Wrocław 2016 and Krakow Festival Office
Source: Krakow City of Literature UNESCO
Illustration © the Krakow and Wrocław stand at the Salon Du Livre 2015 /Krakow Festival Office