The 16th Taipei International Book Fair is getting off to an early start this year with a preview at Huashan Arts District (華山藝文特區) tomorrow and Sunday.
The Huashan event, the goal of which is to make the fair more mainstream, is aimed particularly at children who might find the "literary" activities of the main fair overwhelming.
For the children, activities are not limited to reading. Most take the skills and materials used in the production of books and present them in an interactive, fun fashion.
PHOTO COURTESY OF TAIPEI BOOK FAIR FOUNDATION
The Puppet and Its Double Puppet Theater (無獨有偶) will be on hand to show how simple tools can be used creatively. Wang Kou-chiang (王冠強) of the National Guoguang Chinese Opera Company (國立國光劇團) will lead a session on painting Chinese opera face masks. Huang Pei-ying (黃沛瀅) of the Fang Tien Workshop (方田工作室) will teach attendees to make photo frames from corrugated paper. Other sessions include binding books by hand (led by Chang Ming-liang, 張名良, of the Taiwan Handicraft Development Association, 台灣工藝協會) and making red envelopes (taught by Chen Xun, 陳詢, of the Su Ho Memorial Paper Museum, 樹火紙博館).
But these are just the tip of the iceberg. Around 20 stalls, run by vendors with publishing or arts connections, are expected. Some are local publishers of children's books, others will be selling works by artists in wood block printing, etching and illustrating as well as other items related to literacy.
Having this prelude is just one step designed to make the affair appealing to the general public. Last year's event, with a Russian theme, was overtly intellectual. This year the focus is on Australia and the highlight will be a visit from Tony and Maureen Wheeler, of Lonely Planet fame, at 2pm on Feb. 17.
The main activity open to the general public starts on Feb. 14. (The first day, Feb. 13, is only for industry professionals and those with disabilities.)
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