2015 TIBE to feature NZ as theme nation

2014-12-24

The Taipei International Book Exhibition has selected New Zealand as the 2015 theme nation, further reaffirming the annual event’s cultural diversity and Taiwan’s profile as a key player in the international publishing sector.

The 23rd TIBE will present a Kiwi-themed feast rich in literary offerings and cultural exchanges between local and foreign traders. Held Feb. 11-16 at the Taipei World Trade Center, it will feature 22 authors from New Zealand and representatives of 17 publishers from that country.

“We are excited to have New Zealand as the theme nation while promoting TIBE’s status as a global publishing platform,” said Alice Wang, director of the Department of Humanities and Publications under the Ministry of Culture, at a Dec. 22 media event.

“We are confident the exhibition will reach new heights, as it boosts interaction among publishers from Taiwan, New Zealand and other countries across a wide spectrum of areas.”

Also attending the event were Taipei Book Fair Foundation Chairwoman Doris Wang, New Zealand Guest of Honor Project Director Kevin Chapman and New Zealand Commerce and Industry Office in Taipei Director Si’alei Van Toor.

In response, Chapman said he has no doubt that the many partnerships forged at the event will deliver tangible benefits to the publication industries of Taiwan and New Zealand.

Of particular note is a co-authoring project involving six picture book writers from the two countries collaborating on a bilingual Chinese-English work for next year, he said.

Another highlight, according to Chapman, will be a series of lectures offered by renowned New Zealand writers, including Eleanor Catton, the youngest winner ever of the U.K. Man Booker Prize; prominent Maori author Witi Ihimaera; and acclaimed children’s book illustrator Gavin Bishop.

“I am certain the joint project and talks will prove popular with book lovers from both home and abroad,” he said.

TIBE will also host performances by members of the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute. They will display their talents at the country’s pavilion designed by World Architecture News Awards winner Andrew Patterson.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=225474&CtNode=413)