The Canary Islands Publishing Industry Association (GRECA), which brings together 25 publishing houses from the islands, will not be taking part in the 37th Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Book Fair, scheduled to take place from 19 to 22 November, due to a lack of time to prepare, as they were only informed of the event «a few working days» ago.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, they also expressed their dissatisfaction with the space allocated, stating that «it does not meet the minimum requirements for comfort, accessibility and functionality».
The organisation has expressed its willingness to engage in dialogue with the fair’s organisers regarding future editions, so that they can work together to achieve «the safeguards, planning and cultural ambition» that it believes this event in the capital of Gran Canaria deserves.
Las Palmas Book Fair: Stand locations prevent book signings
According to GRECA, which includes, amongst others, publishers such as Mercurio/Begin Book/Anroart, Ediciones con Alma, Editorial Siete Islas, Retrografías, Bilenio Publicaciones and Editorial Garoé, the decision was unanimous and was taken in response to «a series of circumstances relating to the venue, the conditions under which the fair is held and its organisational planning».
Publishers have rejected the location and layout of the spaces planned for San Telmo Park, where the fair is to be held, on the grounds that they do not meet «the minimum requirements for comfort, accessibility and functionality».
They find it «particularly worrying» that the organisation itself acknowledges that, due to this lack of space, «author book signings will not be permitted at the stalls», a decision criticised by these publishers, who regard this as one of the most fundamental activities for promoting works, raising the profile of their authors and fostering a relationship with readers.
Book Fair: Late confirmation makes thorough planning difficult
They also criticise the timing of the announcement and the organisation of the event, claiming that they only received confirmation that it was going to take place «less than a month before it was due to open».
They consider this timeframe to be insufficient to «properly plan editorial participation, coordinate the attendance of authors, organise activities and presentations, and meet the logistical and professional commitments required by a fair of this scale», not to mention the fact that they are currently unaware of the event’s programme.
«This lack of information prevents any proper planning and creates a degree of uncertainty that we consider inappropriate for an event that is firmly established in the city’s cultural calendar,» they have criticised.
Las Palmas: No explanation given for the interruption to the trade fair
Nor does this group understand the lack of «clear and convincing» explanations as to why the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Book Fair has not been held since May 2024, when it took place for the last time.
«This disruption, coupled with the lack of information and adequate planning for this year’s event, is causing understandable concern amongst Canarian publishers, who consider it essential to ensure the continuity, stability and dignity of a book fair that reflects the cultural and demographic significance of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria,» the statement reads.
GRECA is calling for a say in future trade fair planning
For all these reasons, GRECA has called for «effective» involvement in the planning and organisation of an event such as this, «of which it is an essential part»; consequently, the decision not to take part in this year’s event does not constitute «a renunciation of its commitment to the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Book Fair».
They explain that this decision is intended to encourage «in-depth reflection on the organisational model» of the event, the need to ensure its continued running, and the effective involvement of publishers in its planning.
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