Autori in città - 8th edition

The festival was born from an idea by Valentina Mai, editorial director of Kite Edizioni, an independent publishing house specialising in illustrated books. It is organised by Autori in città, a social promotion association dedicated to spreading the culture of illustration and storytelling. It is a widespread cultural event, taking place simultaneously in different locations throughout the city. Independent bookshops, cultural spaces, gardens, and parks will host solo and group exhibitions, professional seminars and talks, live readings, workshops for children, and book signings - unique opportunities for the public to meet authors and illustrators.

Even outside the official festival dates, educational and creative activities will be offered to schools for both students and teachers.

EVENTS

• Bookshop Events: Book signings with authors and illustrators, offering a chance to meet readers, the public, and curious visitors. 
• Exhibitions in the City: Solo shows dedicated to illustrators and the creative process behind their work, displayed in various locations around the city, often accompanied by readings, audio narrations, and interactive digital features. 
• Meet the Authors: Dedicated moments to explore the work of authors and illustrators, go behind the scenes of an illustrated book, ask questions, and discover curiosities. Focus Sessions: Panels, hands-on workshops, seminars, and talks with authors and professionals (teachers, psychologists, care home staff) who integrate picture books into their activities. These sessions reveal another side of picture books, as tools for education and exploration of specific themes. 
• Autori in città at School: Workshops during and after the festival in local schools, aimed at introducing children to the book as an object, to the world of publishing, to the art of illustration, or to specific books and the role of the author. The festival also promotes an illustration contest for students from participating schools. 
• Workshops for Children, Teens, and Adults: Creative labs hosted in bookshops, cultural venues, and at the headquarters of Kite Edizioni, where authors and illustrators guide participants (children on their own or with their parents) through hands-on activities. 
• Portfolio Review: An opportunity for aspiring authors and illustrators to present their work to publishing professionals, who will provide feedback, open dialogues, and explore possible future collaborations.