The 6th World Congress of Translators of Polish Literature has begun
The Congress is a great celebration of Polish literature and of those who promote it worldwide. It was first held in 2005 and is organized by the Book Institute every four years. The programme includes, among other things, discussions on translation, new publishing releases and the promotion of Polish literature abroad.
For translators, above all it is an opportunity to meet Polish authors, publishers and literary agents. Over the three days of the event the most important promoters of Polish literature in the world — the role translators play — will be able to attend numerous lectures, make connections and exchange translation experiences.
During the three days they will also be able to get acquainted with the latest trends in Polish prose, crime fiction, drama, reportage, children’s and young adult literature, fantasy, poetry and, finally, the essay. Lectures on particular phenomena in contemporary Polish literature were prepared for them by experts: Przemysław Czapliński, Wojciech Gunia, Grzegorz Jankowicz, Piotr Kofta, Joanna Oparek, Joanna Piekarska, Malina Prześluga, Jakub Skurtys, Ishbel Szatrawska and Mariusz Szczygieł.
Translators will also have the chance to talk with acclaimed Polish writers. Among the guests are, among others, Grzegorz Bogdał, Jacek Dukaj, Julia Fiedorczuk, Joanna Gierak‑Onoszko, Joanna Kuciel‑Frydryszak, Eliza Kącka, Michał Książek, Małgorzata Lebda, Renata Lis, Marta Michalak, Szymon Opryszek, Radek Rak, Maciej Robert, Tomasz Różycki, Zyta Rudzka, Paweł Rzewuski, Natalka Suszczyńska, Joanna Wilengowska and Aleksandra Wojtaszek.
During the Congress there will also be a mini book fair with the participation of publishers and literary agents from across Poland. Participants include Agencja Literacko‑scenariuszowa Beaty Stasińskiej, Czarna Owca, Wydawnictwo Czarne, Dowody, Dwie Siostry, Grupa Wydawnicza Foksal, Grupa Zwierciadło, Ha!Art, KaBooks, Karakter, Kultura Gniewu, Marginesy, Mięta, PIW, Powergraph, SIW Znak, Syndykat Autorów, Timof Comics, Warstwy, Wydawnictwo Literackie and Wydawnictwo Poznańskie.
Tomorrow’s day of the Congress will culminate with the presentation of the Transatlantyk Award, the Book Institute’s most important honour, given to outstanding ambassadors of Polish literature abroad. The Transatlantyk Award was presented for the first time in 2005 during the inaugural edition of the World Congress of Translators of Polish Literature. The gala will be graced by a performance from Mela Koteluk.
The event will close on Saturday with presentations of the Book Institute’s programmes aimed at translators.
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The 6th World Congress of Translators of Polish Literature was co‑funded by the Minister of Culture and National Heritage.