The Association of Publishers and Booksellers of Serbia and independent publishers such as Vulkan and Čigoja announced on Friday that the withdrawal from Book fair was a "blow" culture and readers", but they emphasized that their presence "is not a sign of approval of wrong decisions".
"The Belgrade fair is not just a publishing fair, but a place of meeting, exchange and dialogue that has withstood even in the most difficult times. Withdrawing would be a blow to culture and readers, and the lack of understanding for moving the date of its holding shows how differently the reality in which we live is perceived," states the Association.
The association and independent publishers add that the presence is not a sign of approval of wrong decisions, but an expression of true commitment to the Fair continuing to exist as a manifestation of culture.
"The fair survives through the involvement of publishers and booksellers, not thanks to institutional support. The state did not provide any help, nor did it listen to the basic demands of publishers this year. One of them was moving the date of the Fair so that it would not coincide with the anniversary of the fall of the canopy in Novi Sad," the announcement states.
"Since this proposal of ours was also rejected, it is up to each publisher to decide how they will stand in relation to it at the Fair itself. Our participation in the Fair is a sign that culture and books will not be defeated. In this fight, withdrawing would represent surrender," concluded the Association of Publishers and Booksellers of Serbia and independent publishers.
Source: FoNet
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