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The Sharjah International Book Fair has written a new chapter in its illustrious success story by participating at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair 2012. This high profile extravaganza is one of Italy’s most anticipated cultural events, and it is in perfect harmony with the SIBF’s philosophy of prioritizing children’s literature. It will run from the 19th to the 22nd of March, attracting the creme de la creme of children’s authors from both the East and the West. By bridging the gap between Eastern and Western cultures, the SIBF is living proof that excellent literature is universal, and transcends geographical, political and social barriers.
The SIBF’s participation at this global showcase has been made possible by the enlightened vision and inspired guidance of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. It has long been his cherished vision to build cultural bridges between nations, thereby bringing the world closer together.
The SIBF’s Director, Ahmad Al Amri, stated that, "By participating in such a prestigious global cultural showcase, we are bringing Sharjah to the world and taking the world to Sharjah. Children are very inquisitive by nature and have an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, so wonderful literature is the perfect way to feed their fertile minds."
The venue could not have been better suited for the event, as Bologna is affectionately known as the ’Culture Capital of Italy’. In fact the University of Bologna, whose proud history stretches back to 1088, is Europe’s oldest existing university. The city played a pivotal cultural role in the Roman empire, and in 2000 it was named the Cultural Capital of Europe - just as Sharjah is fast becoming the Middle East’s cultural and intellectual hub.
This year’s edition of the Bologna Children’s Book Fair is inspired by the theme: ’Bologna - the right place for children’s content.’ The popularity of this book fair is evidenced by the fact that it has attracted over 1200 exhibitors from 66 countries worldwide. However, the event is not just limited to the books themselves. It will delve into related aspects of literature such as publishing, authorship and printing. This makes it an unmissable showcase for any entrepreneurs and investors who are interested in the business side of the industry as well as the creative side. The spacious venue extends across 20,000 square meters, making it easier for visitors to comfortably explore all the attractions on offer, such as cultural events and public libraries.
One very cosmopolitan feature of the book fair is the fact that several prominent translation houses will be in attendance to translate various children’s books. This ensures that one country’s books, stories and poems can be enjoyed by children from an entirely different region of the world, thereby creating a free-flowing literary trade that is not hampered by linguistic borders.
Several leading authorities will also be representing Sharjah at the SIBF’s booth, including the Department of Culture and Information, Al Qasimi Publications, Knowlede without Borders, Emirati Publishers Association, Binally Sharjah, UAE Board on Books for Young People and various Children’s Centers. Among the accolades that will be awarded is the Bologna Children’s Award, whose panel of judges is an all-star cast of eminent personalities in the world of children’s literature.
To reflect the increasing influence of technology in children’s lives, there will be a seminar on Children’s Digital Content. Spicing up the mix will be seminars on Theatrical Translations, World Literature Projects and children’s stories which take their inspiration from the book, ’I Was Bad’ by the talented author Ferrara Anthony.
All enthusiasts of literature, culture and Sharjah are urged to witness the unforgettable alliance of Eastern and Western culture, thanks to Sharjah’s outstanding participation.
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