Slovenia’s role as Guest of Honour at the Frankfurt Book Fair 2025 is a major milestone for the country’s literary and cultural scene. But such a large-scale international event doesn’t come together on its own.
Behind the spotlight is a carefully coordinated team made up of government agencies, cultural institutions, publishers, and creative professionals — all working together to put Slovenia’s literature on the global stage.
So, who’s running the show? Here’s a breakdown of the main players making it all happen.
Table of Contents
Lead Organizer
At the heart of it all is the Slovenian Book Agency (JAK) — the official institution responsible for promoting Slovenian literature and publishing, both at home and abroad. JAK is leading Slovenia’s entire Frankfurt 2025 program, from logistics and pavilion design to marketing, translation grants, and author appearances.
Their mission is simple: present Slovenia as a culturally rich, creative, and globally relevant literary nation. To do this, they’re working closely with partners across sectors and countries.
Government Support
The Slovenian government is playing a key role, both financially and diplomatically. Several ministries are directly involved:
- Ministry of Culture – Provides funding, strategic oversight, and coordination with cultural institutions.
- Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs – Supports international outreach, embassy programs, and diplomacy-related events.
- Ministry of Economy, Tourism and Sport – Helps integrate tourism and cultural branding efforts into the overall presentation.
These agencies are ensuring that Slovenia’s Frankfurt presence reflects not just its literature, but its wider identity and international aspirations.
Cultural Institutions
A number of Slovenia’s top cultural bodies are contributing content, expertise, and creative input, including:
- National and University Library (NUK) – Curating rare book displays and literary archives.
- Slovene Writers’ Association – Selecting featured authors, organizing readings and panels.
- Slovene PEN Centre – Supporting discussions on freedom of expression and literary rights.
- Cankarjev dom – Assisting with artistic programming and visual arts components.
- Mladinska knjiga and other major publishers – Representing Slovenia’s publishing scene at the fair.
Together, they’re shaping the story Slovenia will tell in Frankfurt — one rooted in history but aimed at the future.
International Partners
Slovenia’s team isn’t working in isolation. They’re collaborating with international organizations and cultural agencies to ensure a strong global presence. These include:
- Frankfurt Book Fair team – Offering guidance, coordination, and event support.
- German publishers and translators – Working to bring more Slovenian books into German translation ahead of the fair.
- Cultural institutes and embassies – Supporting pre-fair events in Germany and Europe.
- Foreign rights agents – Helping place Slovenian books with international publishers.
This network of cross-border partnerships is key to ensuring Slovenia’s literary voice reaches readers around the world.
Project Team & Creative Contributors
The creative and practical work is being handled by a dedicated project team — professionals in event production, architecture, design, publishing, and public relations.
Their roles include:
- Pavilion design and construction
- Event scheduling and technical coordination
- Author travel and logistics
- Media relations and social media
- Graphic design and visual branding
- Translation and editorial coordination
The team includes designers, curators, translators, and literary professionals who bring Slovenia’s cultural message to life.
Key Organisations Behind Slovenia’s Frankfurt 2025 Presence
| Organisation | Role in the Project |
|---|---|
| Slovenian Book Agency (JAK) | Lead organiser and main project coordinator |
| Ministry of Culture | Funding, strategy, cultural programming |
| Slovene Writers’ Association | Author selection, literary events |
| National and University Library | Historical displays and literary heritage |
| Cankarjev dom | Arts and cultural integration |
| German partners | Translation and publishing collaboration |
Why It Matters
Behind every guest of honour showcase is a massive team effort. For Slovenia, this is about more than just books. It’s a chance to share its language, stories, and cultural values with the world — and that takes organisation, creativity, and cooperation on every level.
By working across ministries, institutions, and borders, Slovenia is setting a high standard for how a small country can make a big impression at the world’s biggest publishing event.
Slovenia’s Frankfurt 2025 presence isn’t just being built — it’s being curated, shaped, and carefully designed by experts who understand both the importance of literature and the power of presentation. And thanks to this strong network of organisers and partners, the country is ready to shine.
FAQs
Who is leading Slovenia’s Frankfurt 2025 project?
The Slovenian Book Agency (JAK) is the lead organiser.
What is the Ministry of Culture’s role?
They provide funding and oversee cultural strategy.
Are authors involved in planning?
Yes, through groups like the Slovene Writers’ Association.
Who’s designing the pavilion?
A creative team of architects, curators, and designers.
Is this an international collaboration?
Yes, with German publishers, translators, and institutions.
