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Judging the book by its cover

Celebrating its fifth anniversary in 2010, the Cape Town Book Fair attracted almost 34 000 visitors. The event was held over four days at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. Oasys Cape Town supplied the infrastructure for this event.

Says Graham Jeffery, Chief Operating Officer for Oasys Cape Town: "We supplied over 1 200m2 of shell scheme, fascia boards, almost 5 000m2 of carpeting, shelves and bench cabinets. We also supplied the electrical requirements, which included plug points, spotlights and distribution boards."

Comments Claudia Kaiser, Director of the Cape Town Book Fair: "We've had very positive feedback from all our exhibitors, who were impressed with the arrangement of the show this year. We had stands varying from academic textbooks to light reading and arranged by categories as well as countries."

The show was endorsed by the South African Department of Arts and Culture. The show was also supported by MAPPP-SETA, a sector training authority supporting and facilitating education in the fields of media, advertising, film, publishing, printing and packaging. MAPPP-SETA assisted with authors and the participation of small South African publishing houses.

"Our organisers arranged events that would spark the interest of as many groups as possible. There was a special Trade Day, sessions for children and a literacy campaign," says Kaiser.

The fair hosted more than 240 events, which included author readings and discussions around selected book titles. Some of the most popular among visitors were those of Jodi Picoult, Chris van Wyk and Damon Galgut. Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka and Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu were also present. Another popular area was the Pick n Pay Chef's theatre, which featured a number of South Africa's most famous chefs, including Carmen Niehaus, Emma Chen and various others.

"The Cape Town Book Fair is a great way of encouraging people to read, especially in a country that is still struggling with illiteracy. The different events held by the fair add an element of excitement and glamour to everyday reading," concludes Jeffery.

12 Sep 2010 19:13

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