The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau led an industry delegation to participate in the 63rd Bologna Children's Book Fair (BCBF) in Italy, and sponsored the industry's set-up of the Hong Kong Pavilion therein, which showcased more than 1 000 pieces of publications and printed works from over 60 Hong Kong publishers and printers. CCIDA also sponsored emerging picture book illustrators and a comic artist to attend the Fair and exhibit their creations there. The Hong Kong Pavilion attracted around 30 000 visitors during its four-day fair period (April 13 to 16, Bologna time).

     Speaking at the launch cocktail reception of the Hong Kong Pavilion on April 13 (Bologna time), Assistant Commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries Miss Yvonne Ip said that CCIDA has been nurturing Hong Kong illustrators and comic artists through various projects over the years, providing opportunities for them to expand their international visibility and enhance their professional development, thereby bringing Hong Kong picture books and comics onto the global stage. Many of these artists have attained international awards and secured contracts from overseas publishers, demonstrating the strength and appeal of Hong Hong's cultural and creative artists.

     The Hong Kong Pavilion was co-organised by the Hong Kong Publishing Federation and the Hong Kong Printers Association. Nine artists participated in the Pavilion's Hong Kong Illustration Zone. The artists come from two CCIDA-sponsored initiatives (namely, the Go! Illustrators - Hong Kong Picture Book Illustrators at International Book Fairs Promotion Scheme and the Hong Kong Comics Support Programme). One of the artists received a Special Mention Award in the Young Adult Comics category at the BolognaRagazzi Awards, and one was longlisted at the Silent Book Contest this year.

     With funding support from CCIDA, these nine artists attended and conducted business meetings with overseas publishers at the BCBF. They also hosted workshops in the Hong Kong Pavilion and had exchanges with publishers, editors and illustrators from all over the world, broadening their international perspectives and helping them explore business opportunities.

     In addition, a launch ceremony in Europe of eight new picture books created by illustrators of the last edition of the Go! Illustrators and published under CCIDA's sponorship was also held at the Hong Kong Pavilion.

     For more information on the Hong Kong Pavilion at the BCBF, please visit www.bookfairhkpavilion.com.

Ends/Friday, April 17, 2026
Issued at HKT 11:00

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