SUnder the aegis of the Préface Blaye association, around forty authors were invited to the 31e edition of the Livres en citadelle literary fair on December 7 and 8, 2024. It is an understatement to say that the cultural event has become a lasting part of the Blayais cultural landscape. However, nothing is certain forever: its renewal this year is facing budgetary obstacles which worry the president of Préface, Marie Loosveldt.
What is the financial statement of 31e Livres en citadelle fair which took place in December?
The show cost us 30,721 euros and we had 34,177 euros of products. We are therefore not in deficit in 2024. We have favored local authors or those with easier and less expensive journeys. We have also reduced the number of authors without reducing the number of meetings in establishments. This edition went very well.
Marie Loosveldt: “We favored local authors or those with easier and less expensive journeys.”
archives Sandrine Nuel
Are you confident about the 2025 budget?
No, we are not confident in terms of the budget according to the statements of the departmental advisors made during the press conference in November 2024 (1). We are afraid that our subsidies will decrease and that this will impact the terms of the show. No, the show is not in danger but there may still be organizational changes depending on the allocated budgets.
-The organization relies heavily on volunteers (2). Without them, the show would not exist…
Our volunteers see that the budgetary situation is deteriorating and therefore the general conditions of the show, which is not very motivating. Some have chosen to leave the association, for personal reasons, but also because the conditions are still quite difficult. This requires a lot of time and investment. I would also like to thank all the volunteers who have enabled the show to see the light of day and last so long since 1993.
What to expect from the next show?
In 2025, comics will be in the spotlight to target another audience and give a greater role to this ninth art!
(1) Councilor Valérie Guinaudie emphasized regarding the Department’s budget vote, finally postponed to March 2025: “We are in a critical situation for culture: how can we continue to support large or small structures? “. (2) Contacts: [email protected] or 06 89 35 65 85.
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