In a celebration of Greek-Australian literature, the 2023 Greek Book Fair is set to engage book lovers, readers, thinkers, community members, young people, and kids, at the Greek Centre for Contemporary Culture on the weekend of November 25-26.
Organised by the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) in collaboration with the Greek-Australian Cultural League and the Hellenic Writers Association of Australia this event promises to be a literary fair for all.
The Greek Book Fair provides a platform for Greek-Australian writers, bookshops, and publishers to showcase, promote, and sell their literary creations. The program includes casual talks, book launches, signings, literary competitions, storytelling for kids, and more, making it an unmissable event for all bibliophiles.
Admission to the fair is free, and visitors will have the opportunity to explore the works of over thirty exhibitors, including authors, publishers, bookshops, and organisations. The official inauguration, scheduled for 11:30 am on Saturday, 25 November, will be conducted by Prof Nikos Papastergiadis and Consul General Emmanuel Kakavelakis.
The fair’s program will launch the new works of historian Jim Claven, poet Korally Dimitriadis, and creative practitioner Ioannis Sidiropoulos. The Meet the Author sessions will allow attendees to engage with writers like, Neos Kosmos contributor and author, Konstantinos Kalymnios, Syrmo Kapoutsi, John Martino, Neos Kosmos contributor Billy Cotsis, Karen Martin, George & Monica Athanasiou, Danae Konidaris, Varvara Athanasiou-Ioannou, and Olympia Panagiotopoulos.
The highlight of the literary calendar will be the announcement of winners for the GACL Literary Competition Awards by the Greek-Australian Cultural League on Saturday, November 25. Book signings will be a feature throughout the weekend.
With a diverse range of exhibitors, the fair will include Athena Connock, Christos Linou of Linou Press, Ella Mittas, Marianne Kontossis of i2kids, and more.
Visitors are encouraged to support authors, publishers, and bookshops, as the fair operates on a vendor-based model. Entry is free, but the event relies on sales to sustain the literary community. For those planning to attend, it’s important to note that aisles may become crowded, and navigating with strollers could be challenging. Additionally, as there is no content censorship, parents are advised to use discretion regarding the suitability of certain materials for children.
In terms of payments, most exhibitors will accept credit and debit cards via mobile payment technology. However, for those using cash, ATMs are conveniently located near the Greek Centre.
For more information about exhibitors and the event program, visit greekcommunity.com.au/events/series/bookfair2023