Strasbourg has applied to Unesco to become the "world book capital" in 2024.
In the event of designation, it would be the first French city to collect this honorary label.
Can she achieve this and become the first elected Frenchwoman?
"We have every chance and we will get this label", self-convinced the mayor of Strasbourg Jeanne Barseghian.
Culture, architecture, design… In the big family of “world capitals”, Strasbourg also wants to play its card.
The city officially applied on April 15 to become the “world book capital” in 2024. Either after Guadalajara (Mexico) this year then Accra (Ghana) in 2023, designated by Unesco.
Can she achieve this and become the first elected Frenchwoman?
“We have every chance and we will get this label,” Mayor Jeanne Barseghian convinced herself during the grand presentation of the project on Thursday.
It must be said that Strasbourg, which does not know its competitors, has given itself the means.
To “promote books and reading in all its forms and at all ages of life” – goal of a “world book capital” – five axes have been defined.
With, each time, many scheduled operations.
Two hundred in total.
“The whole population will be concerned”, promised Anne Mistler, assistant for arts and cultures, citing for example children, “incarcerated women”, etc.
Hospitals have also been involved, or the Family Allowance Fund (Caf).
“We have a long and intense relationship with books”
“Our candidacy was included in our municipal program and responds to our political priorities.
For more social justice, democracy and against climate change,” insisted the ecologist mayor, again citing the strengths of her city.
Where Gutenberg developed the typographical system that launched printing in the 15th century, where the first printed newspaper was born in 1605, where many authors settled (Goethe, Ungerer, Bloch, etc.).
Not to mention the two major events organized each year, the Ideal Libraries and the International Meetings of Illustration.
“We have a long and intense relationship with books,” summarized Jeanne Barseghian.
Our Books folder
A budget of 4.5 million euros is planned for the operation, which will span three years and potentially start this summer.
Moment when the happy elected city will be known.
“The events will take place regardless of the result, assured Anne Mistler.
It is a commitment to culture.
And a new opportunity to highlight Strasbourg.
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