Regional Government invests 100 thousand Euros annually in promotion of books and reading
The Regional Government invests nearly 100 thousand Euros annually in the promotion of books and reading of Azoreans authors or themes, stated the Regional Director for Culture.
In this context, Nuno Lopes pointed out the annual participation of authors and publishers from the Azores at the National Book Fair in Lisbon and in events promoted by Azorean communities in the Diaspora, highlighting the extraordinary value of books as privileged vehicle for communication and their contribution to world heritage.
"As priceless platforms for freedom of speech and free flow of information, books are essential for modern and democratic societies like ours," stressed Nuno Lopes. The government official spoke at the opening of the 2nd Azores Book Festival, an initiative promoted by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Ponta Delgada.
In his speech, the Regional Director also mentioned, besides the annual investment made by the Regional Government in the promotion of books and reading, the "Daniel de Sá" Humanities Prize as well as other programmes for the promotion of cultural activities. They allow the Azores to be in a "comfortable but not resigned" position.
Nuno Lopes noted that the hosting of the 2nd Azores Book Festival in the centre of Ponta Delgada at a time when city welcomes many visitors is a "decisive contribution" to becoming a meeting point for different languages and cultures.