(opinion article)

“Book Arsenal” is not just a book fair. It is a synthesis of literature, art, music and intellectual discussions, which annually brings together writers, artists, translators, publishers and readers from all over the world. Since 2011, the festival has been developing as a space for dialogue between cultural environments, as well as a platform for presenting new products from Ukrainian and world book publishing. This year, the International Book Arsenal Festival will be held in Kyiv from May 29 to June 1 and is one of the most important events in the cultural life of Ukraine. It will traditionally be held on the territory of the Mystetsky Arsenal.

This year’s focus theme “Everything Between Us – Translation” draws attention to translation as a key mechanism for understanding between people, cultures and generations. The curators of the direction are historian Marcy Shore and writer Oksana Forostina. The program will explore not only linguistic translation, but also a deeper meaning – how war, identity, experience and culture are “translated” from one reality to another.

The ancient halls of the Mystetsky Arsenal will host a book fair, where more than 150 Ukrainian and foreign publishers will present their new releases. At the same time, an illustrators’ fair will operate, where artists will show their portfolios, art books and posters. This year, special attention is paid to independent small publishers, which will help preserve publishing diversity in times of war. The festival promises to be rich in events for different audiences:

• Literary meetings with Ukrainian and foreign authors, presentations of new books, discussions.
• Exhibition projects, where literature is combined with visual art.
• Musical and theatrical program: concerts, performances, film screenings.
• A program for children and teenagers — master classes, readings, creative games. Its curator is the writer Olya Rusina.
• A professional program for publishers, translators, cultural managers.

The Book Arsenal is not only about books, but also about meanings, dialogues and openness to the world. In 2025, it promises to become another proof that culture in Ukraine is alive, sustainable and multi-voiced, even in the darkest times.