A model ship in the children’s pavilion is an exciting image for the Taipei International Book Exhibition kicking off Feb. 20 in the capital. (Courtesy of Ministry of Culture)
 

The Taipei International Book Exhibition will get underway Feb. 20 to showcase the vibrancy and diversity of Taiwan’s publishing culture, according to the Ministry of Culture.

Titled “Catch the Reading Wave” and running through Feb. 25, the event will involve content and titles from Taiwan and 34 other countries, the MOC said. Over 40 international authors will attend the event with more than 400 reading activities to be held, the ministry added.

The Netherlands is the guest of honor country this year and the pavilion’s display is on the themes of “Year 1624,” “Diversity and Inclusivity” and “Dutch Design and Sustainability.” Artifacts, historical archives and a model of 17th century warship will shed light on the first Dutch encounter with Taiwan in 1624, while activities on gender equality, Indigenous rights and LGBTQI+ communities will also be staged in the pavilion.

Among other themed areas, the children’s section also spotlights the Netherlands with a large model of a ship and images of ocean and maritime adventures, while the digital pavilion uses artificial intelligence real-time generation technology to create a customized experience for each visitor.

The literary book area comprises works chosen by a selection of publishers, and a section dedicated to independent bookstores and publishers features recordings of sounds associated with 31 independent bookstores around Taiwan. Other highlights include the Taiwan manga pavilion, which will show over 30 popular local comics; and the human rights pavilion, where there will be seminars on publications focusing on the White Terror period (1945-1992).

MOC Minister Shih Che said during a Feb. 19 press conference that the publishing industry is one of the roots of Taiwan culture. The ministry will continue to expand projects that translate published books into foreign languages and encourage more mid- and long-form comics, he added.  

First held in 1987 by Taipei Book Fair Foundation under the MOC’s auspices, TIBE is the leading event of its kind in Asia and among the world’s largest, alongside the Frankfurt Book Fair, Bologna Children’s Book Fair and BookExpo America. (YCH-E)