BolognaBookPlus, the general trade adult publishing extension of Bologna Children’s Book Fair (BCBF), scheduled to be held from 31 March to 3 April, continues its expansion and evolution with an enhanced focus on design and illustration. The city has long hosted the book fair famous across the globe for its focus on the visual, and this year’s BolognaBookPlus program also promises an exciting line-up of exhibits, seminars, training and awards celebrating the power and artistry of the visual, from the book jacket to the page, through to marketing and promotion.
Guest director BolognaBookPlus Jacks Thomas comments, “Bologna is the book industry’s destination for illustration and design. As digital and print worlds collide, visual excellence is more important than ever. It is an honor and a joy to be able to play a part in showcasing the talent, creativity and commercial success of artists, authors and publishers alike. The world of general publishing is certainly on show at BolognaBookPlus this year and we can’t wait to see it!”
Introducing the First BolognaBookPlus Illustration Ambassador
BolognaBookPlus has announced the launch of the Illustration Ambassador initiative, building on the success of its Author Ambassador program. The inaugural Illustration Ambassador, acclaimed Polish artist Joanna Karpowicz, will play a key role in the fair. In partnership with the Polish Book Institute, BolognaBookPlus has devised a program for Joanna threaded through the three days and across the spectrum of illustration throughout the fair.
She will participate in several panels and juries, highlights of which include a special In Conversation session on Tuesday 1 April. Karpowicz will also present the sought after Indie Authors Book Jacket Award, showcasing excellence in self-published book cover design, after which illustrators will have the opportunity to meet her.
Joanna Karpowicz says, “We painters are loners, meeting people during art exhibitions openings leaves little chance for real connection. Being a published author provides new opportunities and connections. My artbooks become the bridge towards new friendships – and that’s priceless.”
The Folio Society’s Preview Exhibition and Panels
Anna and Elena Balbusso, the internationally recognized award-winning Italian artist duo based in Milan, will unveil The Folio Society’s exhibition, The Art of Folio on Monday 31 March at midday. This celebration of Folio’s work with book illustrators will be a tantalizing taste of a major exhibition taking place at the Society of Illustrators in New York from 1 May to 12 July 2025.
The acclaimed and award-winning illustrated book publishers, the Folio Society, will also host a series of engaging events, including:
The Art of Publishing: The Beauty of Creating a List for the Perfect Bookshelf – A publisher panel exploring the art of curating a timeless collection.
The Art of Illustration: Learning with Folio – An illustrators’ panel discussing creative techniques and industry insights.
The Folio Book Illustration Awards 2025 Announcement – A special discussion revealing details of this prestigious competition.
Tom Walker, the Folio Society commented, “We are thrilled to join forces with BolognaBookPlus once again. We have a jam-packed program for 2025 with a new illustration award, some exciting panel discussions, and the opening of a major new exhibition of Folio’s artists. We can’t wait!”
Bologna the City: a literary and gastronomic visual snapshot by Neil Packer
The illustrator Neil Packer has created a map of Bologna, depicting the many bars and restaurants found in the acclaimed Daniel Leicester crime series written by Author Ambassador Tom Benjamin. This limited run is sure to be coveted and together they have created a unique canter around the historic city so famed for its ‘Buon Appetito’.
Talking Pictures 2025: Estonia in Focus
The popular Talking Pictures event returns, examining the cultural significance and evolving impact of contemporary international visual books. This year, the spotlight is on Estonia, the Bologna Market of Honour. The program includes a curated showcase, a jury discussion, and a seminar that will bring together industry experts to explore Estonia’s unique contributions to visual storytelling.
Jackets Off! 2025: A Celebration of “The Great Gatsby”
This year’s Jackets Off! The iconic title is The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald the centenary of which is marked in 2025. An exhibition and discussion will delve into the many cultural and geographic interpretations of this literary classic through its diverse cover designs over the years.
BolognaBookPlus 2025 promises to be a vibrant hub for publishers, illustrators, and designers, offering unparalleled opportunities to explore the intersection of text and image in modern publishing.
