Call for proposals: Stage slots for professional programme at Bologna Children’s Book Fair 2026

Invitation to present a programme on NORLA’s stage at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair 2026

In 2026, Norway will be Guest of Honour at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, the world’s largest children’s book fair. This initiative provides an opportunity for a significant boost for children’s and YA books, both in Norway and internationally. The fair takes place 13–16 April.

Invitation to stage slots for professional programme in Bologna

Bologna 2026 is already receiving great attention from the entire children’s book sector. NORLA wishes to facilitate participation from as many stakeholders as possible.

The Norwegian stand will be about 100 m², and will include a small stage for a professional programme during the fair’s daytime sessions.

NORLA hereby invites applications for stage slots on the Norwegian stand to present your own professional programme.

- The invitation is open to non-commercial associations and organizations that promote Norwegian or Sámi literature, illustration, and culture for children and young people and/or projects that address issues related to children and reading.

- The programme item:

• must be of a professional nature, aimed at a professional audience, and focused on children and young people
• must be held in English
• should last 30–45 minutes
• must be approved by NORLA

- Selected programme proposals will become part of Norway’s official Guest of Honour programme.

- The final programme item with participants must be confirmed by 10 November 2025.

- We encourage organizations to collaborate in developing programme proposals.

It is considered an advantage if the programme is carried out in cooperation with international partners, and applicants are encouraged to explore such opportunities.

Marketing

NORLA will promote the selected events through its own channels. Applicants are expected to do the same, and to use the logos and other visual material related to the Guest of Honour project.

Costs

NORLA will cover expenses for the stage and technical equipment (screen, microphones, technician).
Applicants are responsible for all other expenses (fees, travel, accommodation, entrance tickets, etc.).

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 15 October 2025

Application form here

Facts about Bologna Children’s Book Fair (BCBF)

• The world’s largest children’s book fair, established in 1960
• A meeting point for the international publishing industry
• Figures from 2024: 31,700 visitors and 1,523 exhibitors from 94 countries
• A central arena for illustration art
• The fair is for the professional sector, with public-facing activities taking place in the city of Bologna

About the Guest of Honour project

The Guest of Honour country is at the centre of attention from the media, industry, and public during the book fair itself. The project also opens many new arenas for meetings both in Norway and internationally, before and after the fair.

The goal of Norway’s Guest of Honour project in Bologna is to showcase Norwegian children’s literature and illustration internationally and to facilitate the translation of more books for children and young people. The initiative is important for rights sales and authors’ income. Literature, authors, and illustrators create the stories that other cultural industries—such as film, gaming, and music—draw income from.

We aim to contribute to the internationalization of the book industry by strengthening collaboration between international and Norwegian actors, and to create dialogue through bold and diverse literature from Norway. A stated aim is also to stimulate reading and to highlight the importance of reading, both internationally and nationally.

Read more about the Guest of Honour initiative here