JIBF sets date for next forum and invites fellowship applications

The Jerusalem International Book Forum has announced its next event will take place 2nd–6th May 2021.

Traditionally a biennial event, JIBF has been bringing together members of the international publishing community since 1963. Last year it changed from being an international book fair to being an international book forum, and over 200 publishing professionals from 25 countries attended its programme of events featuring figures including Markus Dohle, Penguin Random House; Stefan von Holtzbrinck, Holtzbrinck Publishing Group; James Daunt, Waterstones/Barnes and Noble; Andrew Franklin, Profile Books; Maria B Campbell, Maria B Campbell Associates; Stephen Rubin, Henry Holt; Elena Ramirez, Planeta/Seix Barral; and Juergen Boos, Frankfurter Buchmesse.

"We are working towards May 2021 with the hope that we can all come together once more; of primary importance will be the personal safety of all JIBF participants and attendees," commented JIBF's director Yoel Makov.

"The JIBF has always been about the connections formed between people of different origins, backgrounds and roles; it embraces cultural diversity and encourages open dialogue. At a time of such social, political and financial challenges, we at the JIBF look at the ongoing friendships and ties which were formed in Jerusalem and consider ourselves honored and privileged to be able to contribute to a sense of community."

As well as announcing the date for JIBF's next event, JIBF confirmed that applications to the 2021 Zev Birger Editorial Fellowship programme are now open, with the deadline date 30th October 2020. Sponsored by the George von Holtzbrinck Publishing Group since its inception in 1985, the editorial fellowship a professional week-long seminar focused on issues "of current interest to the international publishing community". Usually around 35 editors, literary agents and literary scouts are selected to participate. The next one is scheduled to take place from 30th April through to 6th May. (Should Covid-19 result in cancellation, the organisation has said places will be rolled over to the following year.)