Russia to be guest of honour at the BookExpo America Global Market Forum 2012

Massive literary and professional programme, with 50 Russian writers and as many editors in preparation…

Norwalk, CT, February XX, 2011: Russia is to be the Guest of Honour at BookExpo Amercia’s Global Market Forum in 2012 in New York. Sponsored by the country’s Federal Agency for Press and Mass Communications, and supported by Academia Rossica, a particularly broad set of events for both publishing professionals as well as a general cultural audience is currently being planned. The primary goals are to shed light on Russian publishing and contemporary literature in one of the world’s most diverse, yet least known book landscapes. “We are particularly enthusiastic to roll out the carpet for Russia with its long and prestigious literary tradition as well as help the match making between Russian and American book professionals”, says BEA’s event director Steven Rosato in a first comment.

“We are delighted to showcase Russian literature, Russian authors, and Russian publishing as the focus country of Book Expo America in 2012,” declares Vladimir Grigoriev of the Russian Federal Agency for Press and Mass Communications, who is already actively preparing for a programme that will introduce New York readers as well as the professional American book community to a schedule of events that will bridge Russia’s past with the rich diversity of contemporary Russian literature. “Russian literature knows no boundaries,” Grigoriev adds, “and Russian and American readerships have long relished a special cultural connection.”

New York based publisher Morgan Entrekin of Grove Atlantic agrees and anticipates just this: “Russia has produced some of the greatest literature of the last 200 years, work that has given us a deeper understanding of Russia and the world.” Entrekin notes that American publishers have been active in fostering cultural exchange and interest with Russia for a long time. “Since its founding, Grove Press has published a number of important Russian writers including Mikhail Bulgakov and more recently Victor Pelevin. The celebration of Russian authors and literature during BEA 2012 will provide an opportunity for American publishers, booksellers and readers to learn more about Russian literature and, I hope, offer publishers a chance to discover new Russian writers that we can bring to the US audience.”

The presentations, debates and readings in 2012 will proudly further develop this exchange. Russia plans to have 50 Russian writers plus another 50 editors and publishing executives coming to New York for these events, which will include both a cultural and a professional component.

The professional debates and the match making, aiming at creating business opportunities for publishers, retailers, but also translators and specialised media, will be a pivotal part of the conference program at BEA which will take place at the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York City, May 29th – June 1st, 2012. For the cultural programme, notably author readings and literary discussions and presentations featuring Russian authors and themes, BEA will continue to work closely with a number of New York cultural institutions as part of the New York Book Week initiative.

The Global Market Forum will be highlighting Italy at the next BEA which takes place at the Jacob K. Javits Center May 23rd – May 26th, 2011. Previous highlights have included the Arab World and Spain.

For information about Russia's 2011 stand at BookExpo, please visit this page.