(ANSA) - Turin, September 28 - The Italian culture and
education ministries have left the Turin Book Fair's backing
foundation, Piedmont Governor Sergio Chiamparino and Turin Mayor
Chiara Appendino said Thursday, adding ti was "a decision that
had already been informally discussed for some time". The future
of the event is not in doubt, however, because "the ministries
will guarantee an economic contribution and planning and
cultural support". The most recent edition of the event was a
"major hit" even after the "defection" represented by an upstart
rival event in Milan, Turin Book fair chief Massimo Bray said in
May. Sales at this year's fair were 40% up and all the events
were sold out. Despite the absence of Italy's biggest publisher,
Mondadori, other major players like Feltrinelli, Sellerio,
Donzelli, La Nave di Teseo, Giunti and Iperborea were present
and racked up record sales.
Ministries leave Turin Book Fair (2)
But future of event assured, say governor, mayor