Prize
UNESCO World Book Capital
Closed for applications
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Established in 2001, the UNESCO World Book Capital is designed to promote books, reading and a love of literature. One city is chosen per year to be the UNESCO World Book Capital. The designation period runs for 12-months from 23 April, World Book and Copyright Day.
To be chosen, cities must provide a clear and budgeted programme of activities, endorsed by the City Mayor. Applications are assessed by an advisory committee made up of a representative from UNESCO, The International Publishers Association (IPA) and The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions.
The first UNESCO World Book Capital designated in 2001 was Madrid, Spain. The current holder of the title is Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, who will be followed by Tbilisi, Georgia, in 2021. In order to ensure a fair geographical rotation, cities in the same geographical area as the current holder of the designation are excluded from applying in the next round.
KEY INFO
Make sure you read the important information below before you apply for this prize. You must apply through the UK National Commission for UNESCO. Expressions of interest are welcome.
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‘Books have the unique ability both to entertain and to teach. They are at once a means of exploring realms beyond our personal experience through exposure to different authors, universes and cultures, and a means of accessing the deepest recesses of our inner selves.’
UNESCO Director-General, Audrey Azoulay, on the occasion of World Book and Copyright Day, 23 April 2020
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