ARAGON DEFENDS THE STRENGTH OF ITS BOOK SECTOR
Similarly, the director general of Culture and Cultural Heritage, Pedro Olloqui, said that Aragon is experiencing a particularly dynamic period for books and highlighted events such as Book Day on April 23 in Zaragoza, when Paseo de la Independencia brings together authors, publishers, distributors, booksellers and thousands of readers. He noted that this activity also continues at the various book fairs held across the region.
Olloqui also highlighted the current strength of Aragonese literature and defended the support its authors receive from both critics and the public. During a meeting held at the Aragonese stand on Tuesday, he also thanked the region’s publishers for maintaining their commitment to culture and literature in a context shaped by digital transformation.
OLLOQUI CRITICIZES THE MINISTRY’S ABSENCE FROM LIBER
Meanwhile, the regional official criticized the absence of the culture minister and the secretary of state for culture from the opening of Liber. Olloqui said this lack of representation amounted to “abandonment” of the book sector and called on the Ministry to become more involved and show “greater responsibility in cultural policies.”
The director general went further by accusing the central government of forgetting the cultural rights of Spaniards, particularly those of Aragonese people. His comments came at one of the main professional gatherings for Spain’s publishing sector, where the Government of Aragon is seeking to strengthen the international profile of its companies and professionals.
ELEVEN ARAGONESE PUBLISHERS TAKE PART IN LIBER
Apila Ediciones, BooksonLine, Gara d’Edizions, Hola Monstruo, Libros del Innombrable, Pintacoda Ediciones, Prames, Rolde de Estudios Aragoneses, Sin Cabeza, Tacita y Media and Xordica are also taking part in the Aragonese stand. AREX, the booksellers’ associations of Zaragoza, Huesca and Teruel, Enate and Cedro are also collaborating in the organization.
Liber brings together Spanish, Latin American and other international professionals over three days to facilitate the buying and selling of rights, the presentation of new releases and the establishment of business relationships. According to the organizers, the event brings together more than 9,000 professionals, 250 publishers from 16 countries, 194 speakers and 75 activities, with representatives from 68 countries.
The fair runs until Thursday, October 1, and aims to strengthen publishing ties between Europe and Latin America. Meetings held in the Aragonese space have also included one between U.S. professionals and representatives of the region’s publishers’ association, as part of a program designed to expand the presence of Aragonese books in new markets.
