After seven days of an exceptionally rich literary and accompanying program, the 19th International Podgorica Book and Education Fair concluded with a ceremonial award ceremony and special recognitions in the fair area at TC Big Fashion. With a significant number of guests and representatives of the literary world, another successful edition of the Fair was celebrated, which in its 19 years of existence has become one of the most respected cultural events in Montenegro.
At the beginning of the ceremony, the attendees were greeted by the director of the publishing house Nova knjiga. Predrag Uljarević who pointed out that the Book Fair was once again, for the nineteenth time, a lively meeting point where writers met with readers, readers with publishers and other readers.
“I am pleased that this Book and Education Fair has once again confirmed itself as a major cultural event and one of the largest literary festivals in Montenegro and the region. Together with writers and publishers from Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Romania and, of course, Montenegro, we have once again confirmed ourselves as a major regional event in the field of publishing and literature, culture and education. In addition to publishers, the most important cultural and educational institutions were with us. The wide selection of books from all areas of literature and humanities was accompanied by the largest response from visitors since this Book and Education Fair was founded. The 19th Podgorica Book and Education Fair was attended by over 30.000 visitors, over 250 writers, literary critics and translators, over 120 publishers from Montenegro and the region. I would like to thank everyone who recognized this Book Fair as a place and a challenge for themselves,” said Uljarević.
While readers were persistently searching for books during the previous days of the fair and while the fair programs were changing, the Podgorica Book Fair jury, consisting of academics Siniša Jelušić, president of the jury, Prof. Dr. Slavica Perović and academic painter Marina Vesovic He worked hard searching for the best books, the best editions, publishing ventures, as well as the most beautiful stands.
"It was difficult for us to judge because there were so many books, and we had to choose the right ones, the best ones, with the regret that there will be many good ones that we will not take into account and reward this time, but maybe we will reward them some other time. I hope that the visitors managed to go through the books, to buy books, to feel the books, to touch the books. This Fair is designed in a modern and postmodern key where the umbrella category is culture, which includes literature and music and theater and other branches that interact wonderfully at such an event, precisely under this roof that is a fair, but which is cultural, which is educational and scientific," said the representative of the Fair jury, Prof. Dr. Slavica Perović.
The fair's jury recognized exceptional projects and individuals, and awards were given in ten categories, with special recognitions.
Best Publisher – Hena Com (Zagreb)
The award for the best overall publishing production went to the renowned Croatian publishing house Hena Com, which has been publishing works by domestic and international writers for almost three decades. Among the authors are Elif Safak, Han Kang, Persival Evert, as well as domestic writers such as Ante Tomic i Tene ŠtivičićThe award was presented to Uzeir Husković, in recognition of his dedicated work in connecting writers and readers.
Publishing venture – three award-winning editions
Three notable publications shared this prestigious award:
JU Art Colony Danilovgrad for the Monograph of the Art Colony Danilovgrad, which documents the colony's sculptural opus from 1973 to 2024.
Nova Pobjeda doo for the book Kale – Fortresses of the Ottoman Empire in Montenegro by the author Radojica Raša Pavićević, which represents a valuable contribution to the preservation of the fortification heritage.
Ljevak Publishing House for the book Drvo, priče o poemma, which he edited Đorđe Matić, which literary reinterprets the verses Gibonia.
Best Edition – Philosophical Library (Jesenski & Turk Publishing House)
Zagreb-based publisher Jesenski & Turk was awarded for its Philosophical Library, an edition of contemporary and classical literature in the fields of philosophy, social sciences and humanities, recognizable for its thematic breadth, topicality and superb editing.
Best equipped book – two awards
CID was awarded for the monograph Magical Montenegro through the Eyes of Foreigners by the author Sveina Mønneslanda, a luxuriously illustrated edition that brings to life the vision of Montenegro through the eyes of foreign observers.
Matica Crnogorska and the National Library of Montenegro for the phototype edition of the Cetinje Psalter from the 15th century, which represents a true feat of cultural heritage preservation.
Children's creativity – Vulkan Publishing
Belgrade publisher Vulkan, through its Vulkančić edition, was recognized for its contribution to the development of early literacy in children. The My Baby and Me – My First Animals series was particularly highlighted as a valuable didactical material.
Regional Cultural Exchange – Archipelago (Belgrade)
The Arhipelag publishing house, under the leadership of Gojko Božović, received an award for its exceptional contribution to regional cultural cooperation, with praise for its consistency in promoting high-quality literature.
Best equipped stand – National Library "Radosav Ljumović" and Municipality of Nikšić
The stand of the National Library of Podgorica was praised as a metaphor for a space for learning and reading, while the stand of the Municipality of Nikšić impressed with its comprehensive presentation of cultural institutions and visual identity.
To create new readers – Darkwood Publishing House
Darkwood from Belgrade is recognized for revitalizing comic book culture and attracting a younger audience with comic book releases from all leading schools - from European to Japanese manga classics.
Improving the educational process – Institute for Textbooks and Teaching Aids, Podgorica
The Institute was awarded for its comprehensive publishing work, which goes beyond classic textbooks and includes outstanding editions such as Savremennik, thereby enriching the education system in Montenegro.
Special recognitions
Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria, Stefan Dimitrov, for contribution to international cultural cooperation.
Faculty of Fine Arts Cetinje, for the presentation of student graphic art.
Budva National Library, for the preservation and promotion of local cultural heritage.
Zoran Milovanovic (MTEL), for their contribution to the organization of the Book and Education Fair.
Bonus video:
