“Publishing is a leading sector of the cultural industry in Italy, both for its economic importance for the projection of our country’s image in the world”. This message was written by the Vice Minister Marina Sereni to the De Sanctis Foundation, that today, on the occasion of World Book and Copyright Day, promotes a live streaming literary marathon on the website of the Ministry of Education.
“A sector – continues Sereni – that reflects a wide reality, fed by bookshops, cultural centres and libraries, strongly rooted throughout the country. A widespread and vital wealth, capable of arousing a strong interest also on foreign markets. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is strongly committed, directly and through the diplomatic-consular network and Italian Cultural Institutes, to supporting the presence of Italian books and authors abroad. In addition to awarding prizes and contributions for the translation of Italian authors every year, – explains the Vice Minister – the Ministry of Foreign Affairs promotes, in collaboration with Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities (MIBACT) and Italian Trade Agency (ICE), Italy’s participation in the main international fairs in the sector. It is an extraordinary opportunity to present our publishing offer to the world, in a perspective that will enhance the indissoluble bond between book and culture, in its broadest sense”.
“Looking to the future necessarily means also reflecting on the present and the heavy impact of the current health emergency, which does not spare the publishing sector. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has developed a program to support and relaunch Italy abroad; it will also concern the cultural and creative industries, including publishing. We aware – concludes Sereni – that culture will be one of the essential cornerstones for the recovery of Italy in the coming months”.
