The 34th Taipei International Book Exhibition (TIBE) is to open on Feb. 3, with this year’s guest of honor, Thailand, presenting diversified contemporary Thai culture and creativity at its pavilion, “CreaTHAIvity,” while several countries would also be hosting books and events at their booths
The annual TIBE, hosted by the Ministry of Culture, is to take place at Hall 1 of the Taipei World Trade Center from Feb. 3 to Feb. 8.
Deputy Minister of Culture Lee Ching-hwi (李靜慧) yesterday said that since the first TIBE in 1987, the annual exhibition has not positioned itself as a sales venue, but a place where culture and publishing can exchange dialogue, demonstrating Taiwan’s long-term commitment to freedom of speech and publication.
Photo courtesy of the Ministry of Culture
This year marks Thailand’s third time being the guest of honor, following its previous stints in 2009 and 2014, she said, adding that the country would demonstrate its diverse contemporary culture and creative energy through a wide range of literature, illustrations, comics and novels.
Taipei Book Fair Foundation chairman Rex How (郝明義) said the Thai pavilion would be a good opportunity for Taiwanese to learn more about Thailand, as there are many similarities and exchanges, but also distinctive cultures.
He thanked all countries participating in the book fair for their support, as well as the ministry for raising the value of culture coins for teenagers aged 13 to 15 from NT$600 to NT$1,200 this year and for distributing them before the event so that teenagers could spend them on books at the fair.
Thai Trade Office Director Kallaya Leewongcharoen said the Thai Pavillion proudly presents “CreaTHAIvity,” a fusion of creativity and “Thainess,” which captures the essence of Thai imagination, rich cultural heritage and the country’s diverse storytelling traditions from every region.
The Thai Pavillion would host more than 30 activities and performances, featuring Thai authors and artists, forums, language and cultural shows, and even Thai cuisine, she said.
Publishers and Booksellers Association of Thailand secretary-general Theerapat Charoensuk said 10 Thai authors have been invited to attend TIBE this year, including Paul Adirex, a prominent novelist, documentarian and former minister; and Prapt, a renowned author known for his suspense and detective novels, some of which have been adapted into popular TV series.
Belgian Office Taipei Trade and Investment Commissioner for the Wallonia and Brussels-Capital Regions Philippe Tzou (鄒宏平) said that over the several years of attending the TIBE, Taiwan has become familiar with Belgium’s picture books, with 200 translated and published in Taiwan.
This year, the office brings more than 20 publishers from the French-speaking southern part of Belgium, and a range of picture books, comics and books on various topics, including finance and popular science, to the book fair, he said, adding that novelist Alix Garin, whose graphic novel about a grandmother with Alzheimer’s sold more than 3,000 copies in Taiwan, and illustrator Noemie Favart would also attend to meet with readers in Taiwan.
Czech Center Taipei Secretary-General Chiang Chia-li (蔣家立) said that while the Czech Republic has only about 10 million people, it publishes more than 1,500 books each year, and while it mainly promoted adult novels at TIBE last year, it would focus on storytelling for children and adolescents this year, bringing a curated selection of the 60 best children’s books of the decade, and four renowned authors.
Josue Serres, head of Academic Cooperation and Cultural Affairs at the French Office in Taipei, said that the office would host nine conferences, five signing events, three workshops and two live drawing events this year, and would invite three authors, including children’s book author and illustrator Magali Le Huche, mathematician and philosopher Daniel Andler, and author and actor Rebecca Vaissermann.
Highlighting a French graphic novel by Huche, Punk a sein, a documentary-style comic about confronting breast cancer, Serres said he recommends people not to miss the author’s live drawing event, in which she would draw pictures accompanied by The Beatles music.
India Taipei Association Deputy Director-General Vishwanjali Murlidhar Gaikwad said its booth titled “Little Mind, Big Idea” would showcase the diversity of children’s books from India, as they see “stories” as tools for children’s problem-solving, creativity, multilingual awareness and emotional growth.
Italian Trade Agency Director Luigi Raffone said that the agency would have two booths this year, with one at the main pavilion showing a diverse range of content, including children’s books, educational materials, graphic novels, comics, and art books from seven Italian publishers, and another booth themed on Italian comics, including hosting events with renowned Italian comic book artist Luca Enoch.
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