Norway and Norwegian literature in focus at the Cairo International Book Fair
News story | Date: 29/01/2024 | Ministry of Foreign Affairs
‘As Guest of Honour at the Cairo Book Fair we have a unique opportunity to make Norwegian authors more widely known in the Arabic-speaking world. In difficult times such as these, cultural cooperation and dialogue can help to build bridges and deepen understanding,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.
Photos from Cairo International Book Fair
‘As Guest of Honour at the Cairo Book Fair we have a unique opportunity to make Norwegian authors more widely known in the Arabic-speaking world. In difficult times such as these, cultural cooperation and dialogue can help to build bridges and deepen understanding,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.
The Foreign Minister accompanied Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Mette-Marit to the opening of the Cairo Book Fair. Over the course of 12 days, the Norwegian Pavilion will provide a meeting place where 17 authors, including Jostein Gaarder, Hanne Ørstavik, Nora Dåsnes, Terje Tvedt, Jørn Lie Horst, Karen Anne Buljo, Jon Fosse (via video link), Steffen Sørum, Eldrid Johannessen, can meet a new audience.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and NORLA – Norwegian Literature Abroad – work together closely to promote Norwegian literature internationally. The Ministry of Culture has now established the Fosse Scholarship, a new initiative under which NOK 500 000 will be awarded annually to a translator of Norwegian literature. The scholarship was created in honour of Norwegian author Jon Fosse, who was awarded the 2023 Nobel Prize in Literature.
In addition to increasing sales of Norwegian works to readers of Arabic, the programme at the Cairo Book Fair seeks to enhance recruitment of translators between Norwegian and Arabic.
‘The book fair in Cairo will open doors to publishers and readers throughout the Arabic-speaking world. I hope it will inspire more translators into Arabic and publishers to focus on Norwegian literature,’ said Mr Eide.
Promoting Norwegian culture abroad helps artists to develop their art, increases exports and raises awareness about Norway.
‘The Government views culture, economics and politics as parts of the same whole. Norway’s international cultural promotion activities are also a means of promoting its key values, such as gender equality, democracy and solidarity,’ said Foreign Minister Eide.