Iraq International Book Fair to Host 350 Publishing Houses

The third edition of the Iraq International Book Fair is set to kick off in Baghdad next month.
The third edition of the Iraq International Book Fair is set to kick off in Baghdad next month.
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Iraq International Book Fair to Host 350 Publishing Houses

The third edition of the Iraq International Book Fair is set to kick off in Baghdad next month.
The third edition of the Iraq International Book Fair is set to kick off in Baghdad next month.

The third edition of the Iraq International Book Fair is set to kick off in Baghdad next month. Running from December 7 to 17, the event is organized by Al-Mada for Media Culture & Arts, a media and cultural foundation that moved from Damascus to Baghdad after 2003 

Over 350 Iraqi and Arabic publishing houses from 20 countries will take in the event. Given the exceptional role it plays among the Iraqi and Arabic publishing houses, Dar Al Mada will boast the largest pavilion to display its massive, annual productions.   

This year’s edition has been named after Hadi al-Alawi (1932-1998), an Iraqi, Islamic intellect, historian, and linguist.  

According to the Ihab Al-Qaisi, director of the book fair, the nomination after Alawi has been made for “the role he played over 50 years in studying the Islamic and Arabic modern, scientific renaissance, the unique ideas he had about the Orient, and his deep knowledge of the Chinese and Islamic civilizations.” 

Qaisi said that panels hosting experts to speak about Alawi and his creative journey will be held every day during the book fair. In addition, a bust of the late Iraqi intellect will be unveiled during the event.  

For this year’s edition, Dar Al Mada reprinted all Alawi’s works in a step that aims at introducing a new generation to his works.   

The fair is set to host a number of intellectual and cultural sessions with the participation of thinkers and writers from Iraq and other Arab countries. It will also host poetry readings, book signings, art exhibits and seminars exploring the political movement in Iraq. 

Iraqi cultural and artistic institutions, including the Iraqi Scientific Academy, the Union of Iraqi Writers, and the House of Cultural Affairs, will participate in the fair. 



Misk Announces Annual Creative Forum 2024

Misk Announces Annual Creative Forum 2024
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Misk Announces Annual Creative Forum 2024

Misk Announces Annual Creative Forum 2024

Saudi Arabia’s Misk Art Institute, an affiliate of the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation (Misk), announced its annual Creative Forum 2024, which will take place at Mohammed bin Salman Nonprofit City (Misk City) on November 1 and 2.

Now in its fifth edition, the forum will feature panel discussions, interactive activities, and performances. Since its launch in 2020, the Creative Forum has become a key event during Misk Art Week, the Misk Art Institute's flagship initiative, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Saturday.

CEO of the Misk Art Institute Reem Al Sultan said: "Hosting the Creative Forum at Misk City marks our first step toward moving into the Misk Art Institute building in Mohammed bin Salman Nonprofit City in 2025. We will also unveil expanded programs and activities aimed at fostering the growth of the cultural and arts sector in the Kingdom and supporting artists."

This year's forum, themed "Media and Technology," will gather thought leaders and experts from around the world at Misk City's Experience Center, a space dedicated to nurturing creativity and engaging youth. Discussions will focus on how media and technology can create new opportunities for artists and society, exploring the role of media in promoting interactive participation and the ways technology has revolutionized exploration and interaction.

In alignment with this theme, the Misk Art Institute will present the exhibition “The Silent Age of Singularity”, running from November 3, 2024, to February 27, 2025. The exhibition will examine the post-internet era, marked by technology's pervasive influence on society.

Curated by the Director of the Curatorial Department and Chief Curator at the Misk Art Institute Basma Al-Shathry, with assistance from Assistant Curator Aram Al-Ajaji, the exhibition will be held at Prince Faisal bin Fahd Arts Hall. It aims to highlight how the Internet has impacted daily life, showcasing transformations brought about by satellites, television, and the Internet in global connectivity, cultural exchange, and information dissemination.

Al-Shathry noted: "The Internet has evolved from simply a communication tool to an essential part of our daily lives. Our exhibition examines the changes that have transformed the ways we communicate, create, and understand the world."

Participating artists in the exhibition include Ibrahim Abumsmar (Saudi Arabia), Mahdi Al Jeraibi (Saudi Arabia), Turki Al-Qahtani (Saudi Arabia), Omar Al-Zahrani (Saudi Arabia), Mohammed Sharrouro (Morocco), Ayman Yasser Didban (Palestine/Saudi Arabia), Iman Al-Jabreen (Saudi Arabia), Mounir Fatmi (Morocco), Samia Halabi (Palestine), David Hockney (United Kingdom), Sofiane El Idrissi (Morocco), Ziad Kaaki (Saudi Arabia), Khaled Makhshoush (Saudi Arabia), Ahmed Matar (Saudi Arabia), Bennett Miller (United States), Nam June Paik (South Korea), John Salvest (United States), Faisal Samra (Saudi Arabia), and Anya Soliman (Egypt/Poland).