Litera festival announces new book project and creativity center

The Litera International Festival of Illustration and Literature for Children and Youth has announced two major new initiatives aimed at expanding its role as a year-round educational and artistic platform.

First, the festival has launched a competition for original texts for a series of picture books titled ‘Cities Full of Stories’. Running from October 19 to November 10, 2026, the contest invites authors to create stories inspired by six Macedonian cities: Gevgelija, Bitola, Ohrid, Skopje, Prilep, and Kumanovo. These books will feature authentic stories and illustrations designed to promote Macedonian cultural identity to both domestic and international audiences. The final collection will be presented in a specially designed box including an interactive game.

Second, the festival is opening a Center for the Development of Children's Creativity on November 1, 2026. The center will host thematic workshops led by professional authors and experts, covering topics such as coloring, illustration, 3D forms, storytelling through drawing, and picture book production.