Ukraine will present an empty stand-manifesto at the Bologna Fair – Stand with Ukraine

Ukraine will be represented at Bologna Children’s Book Fair, one of the largest in the book world, with an empty stand-manifesto this year. This was reported by the Ukrainian Book Institute (UBI).

«Thus, the Ukrainian book community is calling on colleagues from other countries for support to return to the Bologna Fair next year with a stand full of books», – the UBI said.

The Bologna Fair provided Ukraine with a free stand and denials of Russian participation. It encouraged participating publishers to bring children’s books translated from Ukrainian into world languages ​​to collect them as part of a joint exhibition. Another exhibition planned in the central part of the fair is a demonstration of 30-40 Ukrainian books. 

During the fair, all its visitors will be able to:

• take photos/videos of the Ukrainian stand and publish them on the personal and official pages of their organizations on social networks to condemn Russian aggression and support Ukraine, using the hashtags #StandWithUkraine, #StopRussianAggression;
• print stickers and posters with slogans in support of Ukraine and place them on their stand (posted here);
• learn how to participate in UBI programs for translators (Translate Ukraine 2021 program support and Drahoman Prize translation award;
• take into account the catalogs of the rights of Ukrainian publishers (the Literature for the Export project).

«We feel that we do not oppose Russian aggression alone when we receive such the world book community support from our colleagues. Ukraine’s stand and the fair’s organizer support is an opportunity to speak loudly, find fans and unite people who care about the book industry», – the organizers emphasize.

The PEC also calls for joint opposition to Russian aggression, translation of Ukrainian books, finding out more information on Ukrainian Literature, and reminding that outside the fair, all visitors can read and share verified information about Russia’s attack, support Ukraine and its defenders, and share information about the book market of Ukraine in the English version of «Chitomo» and boycott Russian cultural activities with the slogans #BoycottRussia, #StandWithUkraine, #StopRussianAggression.

As you know, complimentary attendance at one of the world’s largest book fairs was made possible by the joint efforts of the Ukrainian Book Institute, Ukrainian Institute, Ukrainian PEN, Book Arsenal and the international festival «BookForum». Lera Huevska designed the stand.

Earlier it was reported that the Bologna Book Fair expressed support for Ukrainian bookmakers and reminded about the book by the Agrafka creative studio (Romana Romanyshyn and Andriy Lesiv) «The War That Changed Rondo», which received a special mention at the Bologna Ragazzi Awards in 2015.

It is worth noting that in 2019 and 2020, the Bologna Book Fair was a partner and guest of the Moscow International Book Fair. The 2020 program was organized by the Bologna Children’s Book Fair and the Russian State Children’s Library in Moscow and the Main Department of International Book Exhibitions and Fairs.