UJE at the Book Land festival in Kyiv
Interest in reading is surging in Ukraine, and as a result, the popularity of various book festivals and forums is on the rise. They have become an important cultural phenomenon that meets modern societal needs and interests, helping popularize Ukrainian and world literature, supporting authors and publishers, and having an overall positive impact on the country's culture.
Participation in book festivals and forums is an important area of UJE's activity, as it enables the implementation of its main tasks and goals, primarily through the distribution of books and other literature published with its support. In addition, this is an excellent opportunity to hear the thoughts and learn the aspirations of various strata of the Ukrainian population — book readers of all ages and walks of life who attend such mass book events.
On 25–28 September, the Expocenter of Ukraine again welcomed readers, authors, publishers, star guests, and other visitors of the fourth iteration of the Book Land festival. The festival broke its attendance record, attracting over 93,000 visitors, including readers, authors, historians, scientists, public figures, experts, opinion leaders, and creative and socially engaged individuals. One in four visitors was a student. Over 300 events were held, including discussions, presentations, award ceremonies, master classes, quests, literary readings, educational events, book signings, and children's events. The organizers see their mission as getting as many people in Ukraine as possible to read.
This time, the central theme was the autumn harvest as a symbol of the season's accomplishments and literary achievements. Vegetables, fruits, and flowers served as figurative elements of the events, complementing the mental and spiritual nourishment provided by books. The area in front of pavilion No. 1 was transformed into autumn-themed photo zones, and even more cozy places for reading and relaxation were set up on the territory.
As usual, UJE presented its books in pavilion No. 1. Its information and book display stand informed visitors about the organization's mission, activities, and major projects: the Ukrainian Jewish Encounter Timeline, Babyn Yar commemoration in 2016, the exhibition project "A Journey Through the Ukrainian-Jewish Encounter: From Antiquity to 1939," the Encounter Literary Prize, the All-Ukrainian Student Drawing Competition "Ukrainian-Jewish Encounter: Our Stories Are Incomplete Without Each Other," and others.
UJE's participation in the Book Land festival once again demonstrated the organization's active presence in Ukraine's cultural life and contribution to the popularization of reading. The presentation of original publications and projects familiarized a broad audience — from youth to scholars and cultural figures — with the organization's activities, initiatives, and values, aimed at fostering intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding between the Ukrainian and Jewish peoples.
Below are the photos from the Book Land festival. For more information about the event, please visit the festival's website here.
Vladyslav Hrynevych, Jr., Regional Manager, UJE Ukraine
