In 2015 is er geen Amsterdamse Boekenbeurs
The Amsterdamse Boekenbeurs (Amsterdam Book Fair) was once an annual literary event that brought together authors, book lovers, publishers, and the general public for a celebration of all things related to literature. The fair, which was a highly anticipated event by book enthusiasts across the Netherlands, held several editions since its inception in 2009. However, in 2015, the Amsterdamse Boekenbeurs was suddenly cancelled much to the disappointment of many bookworms in the city. So what happened to this much-beloved book fair? Let’s retrace the steps that led to the cancellation and find out how it has affected the Dutch literary circle.
A Brief Background of Amsterdamse Boekenbeurs
The Amsterdamse Boekenbeurs was established in 2009 by a group of enthusiastic organizers who were determined to create an event that would celebrate and promote Dutch literature. Every year, the fair attracted thousands of visitors who would gather not just to buy books but also attend lectures, panel discussions with authors, and workshops on various best-selling genres. This free-of-charge event was supported by many organizations like local bookshops, libraries, publishing houses, and cultural institutions under one roof.
The Discontinuation of Amsterdamse Boekenbeurs in 2015
Sadly, after enjoying six successful years, organizers had no choice but to cancel the last Amsterdamse Boekenbeurs due to various reasons – one of them being financial constraints. The economic crisis in Europe at that time significantly impacted cultural institutions’ budgets and consequently led the fair’s main sponsor to withdraw its support. As a result, this loss of funding made it challenging for organizers to sustain their annual commitment.
Another major factor for the cancellation was a lack of adequate venue space within the city. The number of exhibitors significantly increased every year; hence there was no adequate space available that catered appropriately to visitors’ comfort and exhibitors’ needs. Moreover, since more sponsors were needed to make the event happen after losing their main sponsor and finding relevant ones also became difficult.
Impact on Dutch Literature Scene
The discontinuation of Amsterdamse Boekenbeurs had a significant impact on the Dutch literature scene since it dampened one outlet where writers could showcase their work resulting in limited opportunities for interaction between authors and readers.
Moreover, at events like this book fair, books from small publishers tended to thrive since they had little competition from large publishing houses when it came to marketing budgets for prime spots etc.
However, we must remember that while it may have come as a shock when it first occurred, today there are many other opportunities available for readers and writers alike such as other smaller book fairs organized throughout the country or dedicated online platforms for promoting local literature.
Moving Forward
Although there has been no news about reviving Amsterdamse Boekenbeurs or launching a similar event within Amsterdam anytime soon, we must commend those involved in making any effort possible to keep Dutch literature alive. With more literary festivals sprouting up across Europe’s cities supporting local talent should be a priority among literature enthusiasts.
While we all hope that someday soon there may be another edition of this incredible celebration of literature taking place within our city walls let us continue reading work by Dutch authors exploring our historical past present spending future uncovering treasures nestling world Netherlands waiting for us to find them.
