by InTrieste
At the opening of the 38th edition of the Salone Internazionale del Libro di Torino on Thursday, Friuli Venezia Giulia presented an ambitious cultural program aimed at highlighting its growing role in Italy’s literary and artistic landscape.
Speaking at the inauguration of the region’s pavilion inside the Oval exhibition hall in Turin, the region’s deputy governor, Mario Anzil, described the book fair as “an international showcase of great prestige” and said the region’s participation was intended to support local publishers, writers and what he called a “border culture” increasingly attracting attention both in Italy and abroad.
Over the four days of the fair, which runs through Sunday, the Friuli Venezia Giulia stand is scheduled to host 32 events featuring more than 70 participants, including authors, essayists, poets, artists, journalists and performers. Organizers said the program was designed to welcome readers and visitors from across the country.
During his remarks, Anzil reflected on the historical evolution of Friuli Venezia Giulia, a region long shaped by its position along Italy’s eastern border. He described its transition from what he called “an armed outpost” during the Cold War era into “a center of Europe and a symbol of culture,” framing cultural investment as a strategic priority for the regional government.
The region’s presence at the fair also underscored a broader effort to position itself through major cultural initiatives. Anzil pointed to the ongoing role of Gorizia and Nova Gorica as the first cross-border hosts of the European Capital of Culture 2025, as well as the designation of Pordenone as Italy’s Capital of Culture for 2027.
The pavilion also hosted representatives from Pordenone’s municipal administration, including Mayor Alessandro Bassoand local officials responsible for culture and mobility.
In addition to literary discussions, the regional stand will serve as a venue for poetry-focused events organized in collaboration with Fondazione Pordenonelegge, reflecting a longstanding partnership with the Turin book fair. A preview presentation is also scheduled Thursday for “Mi fai volare,” a graphic novel set during an aerial performance by the Frecce Tricolori.
The Friuli Venezia Giulia pavilion spans approximately 280 square meters and includes spaces dedicated to regional publishers and cultural institutions, including Fondazione Aquileia. Organizers said the stand was designed with sustainability in mind, using wood recovered from regional forests damaged by extreme weather events, as part of a broader effort to promote reuse and circular economy practices.
