The 42nd Miami Book Fair (MBF) is set to take place from November 16 to 23, bringing together literary enthusiasts from across the country for a week-long celebration of literature.
The Fair, renowned as one of the country’s finest literary festivals, kicked off its festivities by unveiling its official poster designed by Ian Teresa–Calleja, a talented artist and graphic design student at New World School of the Arts (NWSA).
Teresa–Calleja’s poster draws inspiration from Miami’s constantly changing landscape, illustrating the connection between the city’s physical transformation and personal growth that comes with reading.
“I wanted to draw a parallel between the city’s physical growth and the personal growth we experience through reading,” the artist stated.
He emphasized the power of books to reshape perspectives and likened the reading process to the sometimes challenging yet rewarding journey of urban development.
The collaboration with NWSA has produced iconic posters for the Fair over the years, providing students with opportunities to showcase their artistic talents.
Lissette Mendez, Executive Director of Miami Book Fair, expressed her enthusiasm for this partnership, stating, “For them, it’s a chance to flex their creativity and gain real-world experience; for the Fair, it’s an opportunity to collaborate with the next generation of artists and designers.”
This year’s Fair will feature notable authors and cultural figures, with an array of programming designed to engage a diverse audience, including sessions presented in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole.
Highlights for the 2023 edition include special programming such as ReadCaribbean, which focuses on Haitian and Caribbean voices, and ReadingEast, spotlighting authors from the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
The IberoAmerican Program will present a robust lineup of Hispanic writers, poets, journalists, and artists, enriching the festival’s cultural diversity.
Moreover, attendees can look forward to free community events, including the Opening Day Block Party on November 16 and the Lost Chapter rooftop lounge, offering breathtaking views of downtown Miami from November 19 to 23.
Children’s Alley will feature interactive activities and educational fun for kids during the Street Fair weekend, which spans from November 21 to 23, showcasing hundreds of vendors.
Music enthusiasts can enjoy high-energy performances at the Off the Shelf live music stage, while a vibrant marketplace of Street Fair vendors will offer a variety of books, art, and delectable food options from food trucks and pop-up cafes.
A highlight of the Fair is The Next Page, a signature dinner event and fundraiser that honors literary champions and cultural leaders, with proceeds directed toward supporting the Fair’s mission. This significant event will occur on November 21 at the JW Marriott Marquis.
For those interested in event and sponsorship details, Corey Lewis and Lisa Better are available for inquiries via email and phone.
Founded in 1984 by Miami Dade College and its partners, the Miami Book Fair has grown to become the largest and most comprehensive community literary gathering in the United States.
The Fair aims to promote reading and support writers year-round, generating discussions around contemporary literature and pressing global issues.
In addition to the annual festival, the Miami Book Fair hosts numerous activities throughout the year, including The Little Haiti Book Festival, workshops on creative writing and publishing, author presentations, reading campaigns, and the Books for Free initiative, which distributes more than 150,000 free books annually to children in Miami-Dade County.
Generous support from various entities, including the State of Florida, the National Endowment for the Arts, and local governmental organizations, enables the Miami Book Fair to continue its vital mission.
With its slogan—Building community, one reader at a time—Miami Book Fair continues to invite the public to celebrate literature and community through engaging programs and events.
For more information about the Fair and to access the complete guide, visit www.miamibookfair.com, available in print as well in October.
Media inquiries can be directed to Rachel Pinzur of Pinzur Communications or Sue Arrowsmith and Norma Ardila from MDC’s media relations team.
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