“This year’s theme, ‘A world connected by words,’ reflects how literature breaks down borders and language barriers,”
Global Literary Celebration Draws Hundreds of Exhibitors to Polish Capital
The Warsaw International Book Fair launched Thursday in the Polish capital, bringing together an impressive assembly of more than 620 exhibitors representing 20 countries. This literary extravaganza has attracted upwards of a thousand authors and distinguished guests to Poland’s capital city.
South Korea Takes Centre Stage
South Korea is guest of honour for this year’s event, offering attendees a rich showcase of its dynamic literary landscape. The South Korean pavilion, strategically situated in the Palace of Culture and Science’s Marble Hall, features an impressive delegation of authors, industry experts, publishers and government officials collectively promoting Korean literature to global audiences.
Distinguished Opening
The fair’s opening ceremony was hosted at Warsaw’s Museum of Modern Art with notable attendees, per the press release, including Poland’s upper-house Speaker Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska, Culture Minister Hanna Wróblewska, diplomatic representatives and prominent publishing industry figures.
The event’s main activities are centred in and around Warsaw’s iconic Palace of Culture and Science.
Theme and Vision
“This year’s theme, ‘A world connected by words,’ reflects how literature breaks down borders and language barriers,” Speaker Kidawa-Błońska remarked during her address. She emphasised literature’s crucial role in “understanding history, current realities, and imagining a better future, especially in challenging times.”
Industry Recognition
The ceremony featured presentations of prestigious awards to distinguished contributors to Polish literary culture. Father Adam Boniecki received the coveted Ikar 2025 prize, whilst Magdalena Duszyńska-Walczak from the Polish Chamber of Books was honoured with the “Friend of the Book” award. Several accomplished book designers were also recognised with state awards for their exceptional contributions.
Diverse Programming
Visitors can participate in an extensive range of literary festivals and industry events, including the Warsaw Comic Festival, Crime Warsaw Festival, Ryszard Kapuściński Reportage Day, and the “Fathers and Kids” Intergenerational Children’s Literature Festival. The popular Literacka InfluSpace returns this year, offering engaging panel discussions with leading industry figures.
The fair continues through Sunday, with industry professionals attending dedicated trade days before public admission commences for weekend sessions.
This post first appeared in the TNPS LinkedIn newsfeed.
