Greece announced as inaugural Market of Honour for BolognaBookPlus 2023 

Greece has been announced as the inaugural Market of Honour for BolognaBookPlus 2023.

Between 6th and 9th March, the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports and BolognaBookPlus will celebrate the Greek general publishing industry at the event.

BolognaBookPlus was launched in 2020 by BCBF/BolognaFiere in collaboration with the Italian Publishers Association (AIE) to reach a general publishing audience via a three-day exhibition, training and conferences taking place alongside Bologna Children’s Book Fair.

The Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports, in partnership with the Hellenic Foundation for Culture, the Publishers’ Associations and the entire Greek book sector will undertake a diverse programme of professional and cultural events throughout BolognaBookPlus, the organisers say.

Nicholas Yatromanolakis, deputy minister of culture of Greece, said: “Showcasing the vibrant Greek literary market as the inaugural BolognaBookPlus Market of Honour in 2023 is a great opportunity to share with publishing professionals and the world the wealth of Greek letters and the multitude of contemporary Greek literary voices, as well as a broader cultural programme that will highlight both Greece’s rich cultural heritage and current scene.

“Having recently launched GreekLit, a translation grant programme, we believe the timing is perfect. We are looking forward to working closely with the BBPlus guest director, Jacks Thomas, and BCBF’s director, Elena Pasoli, to provide a great cultural, business and networking experience.”

Thomas described it as “an exciting moment in BolognaBookPlus’ development”, saying: “I am truly excited to have the opportunity of showcasing the powerhouse that is the Greek book industry. Steeped in the illustrious – and obvious – long tradition of writing, culture and exports to the world, it is timely and significant that, in a year that the GreekLit translation grant was launched, Greece also takes its general publishing industry to the global stage at Bologna 2023. I would like to thank the Ministry and the Hellenic Foundation for Culture for their collaboration in this first of many Markets of Honour at BolognaBookPlus.”