In 2023 Slovenia was the guest of honor at the Frankfurt Book Fair. This year's title went to Italy. However, Slovenia continues to play an important role, as it participates in several Slovenian-Italian projects and events at the fair.
In the Italian pavilion, where there is an exhibition of Italian authors and books about Italy, Slovenian translations of Italian works are also on display.
This year, Slovenia is again presenting itself with its own stand, which serves as a hub for publishers as well as a meeting point for anyone interested in Slovenian literature. At the Slovenian national stand, several Slovenian publishers will have workstations, along with the recently established Ljubljana Literary Agency.
Slovenia is certainly an important player due to its long-standing influence and cooperation with Italy.
This will become even more apparent in 2026, when the Slovenian city of Nova Gorica and the Italian city of Gorizia will jointly form the European Capital of Culture 2026.
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The Slovenian national stand allows publishers to assess which books are suitable for foreign markets. Photo: Slovenian Book Agency archive
The Fair as a Platform for Discussions
This year’s fair will focus on political discussions, the challenges of artificial intelligence, and young readers. Slovenian authors and other representatives will participate in some of the most content-rich discussions.
Slovenian book and publishing market experts Alenka Kepic Mohar and Miha Kovač will also join a panel on the European Reading Survey 2023 and 2024, where the results of studies conducted in Europe over the past two years will be revealed.
At a roundtable titled "Long Live Europe!" dedicated to award-winning authors and their stories, as well as the 15th anniversary of the European Union Prize for Literature, Tina Vrščaj will participate. She was nominated for the 2024 European Union Prize for Literature by a special committee from the Slovenian Book Agency (JAK).
Among 13 candidates, the committee selected Theis Ørntoft from Denmark as the winner, and Vrščaj was one of five authors who received special mentions.
In the Archaeological Museum of Frankfurt, there will be an event titled Levitan – The Antihero: The Novel by Vitomil Zupan and an evening of Slovenian poetry. Additionally, a conversation titled In the Countryside – Vinko Möderndorfer and Reinhard Kaiser-Mühlecker will take place during the fair.
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Discussion at the panel European Reading Survey 2023 and 2024. Photo: Slovenian Book Agency archive
Slovenia – A Land of Inspiration
Slovenia is a country rich in cultural heritage and diversity. This is especially reflected in its culture, particularly in the written word. Therefore, Slovenia is undoubtedly a destination for literature and literary experiences.
Don't miss the chance to explore a Slovenian literature!
Date: 16. October 2024
Time to read: 1 min
