- The 76th edition of the world’s largest book fair returns, featuring new venues, international speakers, and expanded youth engagement initiatives.
Tue Oct 15 13:01:20 – 2024 UTC– The 76th Frankfurter Buchmesse, taking place from October 16 to 20, 2024, will emphasize both contemporary issues in publishing and pressing socio-political topics. This year, the fair has expanded interactive spaces to foster connections between authors and readers, with a particular focus on the rising interest among young readers to engage with literature in new ways.
Opening Ceremony
The opening ceremony on October 15 will set the tone for the event, with the motto “FBM24 is Read!ng – Read. Reflect. Relate.” German Minister of State for Culture Claudia Roth will deliver the opening remarks, joined by Hessian Minister President Boris Rhein, Frankfurt Mayor Mike Josef, and German Publishers & Booksellers Association Chairwoman Karin Schmidt-Friderichs. Italy, this year’s Guest of Honour, has selected notable literary figures, including Carlo Rovelli, Susanna Tamaro, and Stefano Zecchi, to speak. Italian Minister of Culture Alessandro Giuli will also be in attendance. Music will be provided by local musicians Veronika Paleeva, Tim Roth, and Tomek Witiak. Earlier that day, writer Elif Shafak will deliver a keynote address on literature’s role in today’s world.
New Adult Space: Engaging the Next Generation
In response to a growing trend among younger readers, the fair has introduced a dedicated New Adult area in Hall 1.2, spanning 8,000 square meters. This section highlights the popular New Adult genre and subgenres such as Romantasy and Dark College, including queer-focused publishers. The New Adult Stage will allow fans to engage with authors like Jane S. Wonda, fostering a direct connection between writers and their readers.
“Frankfurt Calling” Series
For the first time, the Buchmesse will feature Frankfurt Calling – Perspectives on Culture and Politics, a programme that unites voices from academia, culture, and politics. This series will explore critical issues including democracy, human rights, artificial intelligence, climate change, and education. The event will also delve into contemporary conflicts and movements, with discussions on topics such as Russia’s war against Ukraine, the Middle East, black feminism, and the global rise of populism. The main venue for these discussions will be the Frankfurt Pavilion, located on the Agora, with contributors including the UN, Amnesty International, Memorial, PEN Berlin, CORRECTIV, SZ, and Bildungsstätte Anne Frank. Featured speakers will include authors such as Roberto Saviano, Mai Thi Nguyen-Kim, Eva Menasse, and Omri Boehm.
Harari and Saito
One highlight of the Frankfurt Calling series will be a discussion between Israeli historian and author Yuval Noah Harari and Japanese philosopher Kohei Saito. Set for Wednesday, October 16, at 7:30 pm in Saal Harmonie, the event will focus on the question, “Is a system reboot the only way to have a future worth living?” Harari, known for Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind, will speak about his recent work Nexus, which addresses the impact of information networks on the future. Saito, author of Slow Down, critiques capitalist growth and advocates for democratic reform from a Marxist perspective.
Media Neighborhoods and New Industry Hubs
This year, the fair will build upon its trade programme with the addition of “media neighborhoods,” designed to support the publishing industry’s growth through collaboration. In partnership with the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, the Buchmesse will host a Games Business Centre, providing a space for networking among publishers, developers, film producers, and trade visitors from the gaming sector.
The 2024 Frankfurter Buchmesse continues its tradition as a global platform for industry professionals, authors, and readers alike, while also expanding its scope to include urgent conversations on societal challenges and trends.