Skopje, 23 April 2025 (MIA) — The 7th Litera international children's literature and illustration festival will open at the Suli An in the Old Skopje Bazaar on World Book Day, April 23, and focus on domestic children's authors and illustrators.

According to organizers, this year's festival will offer a retrospective exhibition dedicated to one of the first contemporary Macedonian illustrators, Ordan Maneski. This will be the first time his illustrations for children have been on display as a solo exhibition, showcasing Maneski's contribution to children's art.

"It is a great honor Litera has recognized the value of these illustrations and placed them in focus. My father's work was always dedicated to future generations, through his books, through his paintings, through the idea that art should be accessible and alive," Tome Maneski said.

"This exhibition is proof that true art does not grow old. The aim of illustration, besides accompanying the words in books, magazines, picture books and other publications, is to convey and teach our young population the true values ​​of visual culture," the artist's son said.

The festival will also put on display illustrations by Ivanka Niba, Anastasija Jovanova and Sofija Semenpeeva, three contemporary Macedonian illustrators, at the Suli An gallery. 

Several children's book launches as well as creative workshops for children will also be held.

This year's festival will run through April 30. Admission to all events is free.

Litera 2025 is supported by Halkbank and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. mr/