For the second stop of the Bologna Grand Tour, the exhibition dedicated to the work of Italo Calvino was set to feature on the New York scene.
The Society of Illustrators, with which BCBF has built a solid relationship in recent years, host the illustrations inspired by the literary production of the great author who is also much admired by the American public, in addition to a programme of events and meetings that will take place at the Society of Illustrators headquarters and the Rizzoli Bookstore, offering opportunities to bring the Fair into contact with new publishers and professionals. BCBF’s guests in New York, illustrators Andrea Antinori and Irene Rinaldi, took part on 13 November, together with Steven Guarnaccia (illustrator and designer), Maria Russo (publisher and former literary critic for the New York Times) and Grazia Gotti (Accademia Drosselmeier, curator of the exhibition), in a discussion panel looking at the relationship between illustration and literature.
American children’s publishing is one of the most important markets in the world and represents a key interlocutor, as well as a fundamental business vehicle, for the Fair and for all Italian publishers.
Activities' Programme
Rizzoli Bookstore
1133 Broadway New York, NY 10010
The Bologna Children's Book Fair is grateful to American children's publishers for the interest they show in Italian artists. On this special occasion of our presence in New York for the "Eccellenze Italiane" exhibition dedicated to Italo Calvino, at Rizzoli Bookstore we presented books by authors such as Beatrice Alemagna, Alessandro Sanna, Giulia Orecchia, Sergio Ruzzier, Felicita Sala, Vittoria Facchini, and Valerio Vidali.
In person, Andrea Antinori and Irene Rinaldi were representing the exhibition dedicated to Italo Calvino.
- Saturday, 11 November 2023, h.6-7 pm: roundtable discussion with some of the American children's publishers on the upcoming Italian authors to be published in 2023-2024.
- Saturday, 11 November 2023, h.7-8 pm: BCBF welcomed illustrators Andrea Antinori and Irene Rinaldi, in conversation with Grazia Gotti to celebrate the centenary of Italo Calvino.
Society of Illustrators
128 East 63rd Street, New York, NY 10065
- Monday, 13 November 2023; 6.30 pm: Italian Excellence: Illustrations for Italo Calvino - Panel Discussion Moderator Steven Guarnaccia joined by Grazia Gotti, curator of the exhibition; Maria Russo, editorial director of Minerva and minedition and former children’s book editor of the New York Times Book Review and illustrators Irene Rinaldi and Andrea Antinori, in a lively discussion about the exhibition and the challenges of illustrating classic literature.
- 13 November 2023 - 6 January 2024: Italian Excellence. Illustrations for Italo Calvino - Exhibition organized by Bologna Children’s Book Fair and on display at the Society of Illustrators