The first edition of the Metropolitan Book Fair will be held from October 25 to 27, 2024 at the Citadel of Marseille. The event, open to all, will highlight literary culture, with a focus on Spain, exhibitions, and meetings.
Under the ramparts of the Citadel of Marseille, literature is carving out a new place for itself with the first edition of the Metropolitan Book Fair. An event that focuses on exchange and cultural diversity.
From October 25 to 27, the recently rehabilitated site will be the focal point for literature lovers. For this first edition, Spain will be in the spotlight, with the participation of the Marseille association Horizontes del Sur, active for 25 years in the promotion of Spanish culture. “We hope that this fair will become a literary meeting that goes beyond borders, both locally rooted and internationally open,” underlines Daniel Gagnon, vice-president of the Metropolis responsible for Culture.
The event aims to be a showcase for exchanges between Mediterranean cultures, a space for meetings between local and international authors, publishers and various audiences.
Beyond the simple presentation of works, the show focuses on a diversified program which combines conferences, debates and artistic performances. “The book is a means of opening up to the world, of understanding and of sharing”, emphasizes Martine Vassal, president of the Métropole, emphasizing the importance of reading for all generations.
World premiere with Corto Maltese
The Metropolitan Book Fair will begin with a sound and light concert to mark the inauguration, a festive moment open to all.
This concert, planned within the grounds of the Citadel of Marseille, will be accompanied by dance readings by 90 young people, led by a choreographer, who will travel around the site to bring literary texts to life in an exceptional setting.
Among the expected moments, a world preview will be held around Corto Maltese’s latest album, The Line of Lifepresented by authors Juan Díaz Canales and Rubén Pellejero.
This Spanish duo continues the legacy of the famous sailor adventurer imagined by Hugo Pratt. This choice illustrates the show’s ambition to attract a wide audience, from comic book fans to fans of Mediterranean literature.
The show will also be an opportunity to discuss current issues during round tables where philosophers, publishers and authors will address subjects such as artificial intelligence and creation or even cultural issues in the Mediterranean.
A space for families and young people
Particular care is given to young audiences. Designed to captivate the imagination of young people, it offers a fun and creative immersion in the world of literature. Among the flagship activities, the Story Village invites children to immerse themselves in wonderful stories, guided by the Compagnie Ithéré, a specialist in oral tales. In a setting where writing games and sound installations combine, participants are invited to give free rein to their imagination.
The show will also offer a unique immersive experience with I’m Mapping, a video mapping show which will transport young audiences to the heart of the visual universe of the youth illustrators present at the show. By combining technology and creativity, this workshop offers a new way to discover stories and drawings.
Literature in motion
Finally, dance will be invited into the youth area with the show Words in movement by choreographer Nacim Battou. The show’s children’s albums will come to life through dance performances, mixing poetry and grace, and thus offering children a moment of literature in motion. These activities, all accessible free of charge, complete a program designed for the whole family.
The public will have free access to the show, with free meetings, exhibitions and shows. However, certain youth workshops and the opening show will require a reservation, which will limit access to certain activities for some visitors.
Dates and times
Friday October 25, 2024: from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday October 26 and Sunday October 27, 2024: from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Reservations.
Some youth workshops and the opening show require prior reservation
Registrations and complete program available on the Métropole website
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