The festival was born from an idea by Valentina Mai, editorial director of Kite Edizioni, an independent publishing house specializing in illustrated books. It is organized by Autori in città, a social promotion association dedicated to spreading the culture of illustration and storytelling.

It is a widespread cultural event, taking place simultaneously in different locations throughout the city. Independent bookshops, cultural spaces, gardens, and parks will host solo and group exhibitions, professional seminars and talks, live readings, workshops for children, and book signings—unique opportunities for the public to meet authors and illustrators.
Even outside the official festival dates, educational and creative activities will be offered to schools for both students and teachers.

---

EVENTS

Bookshop Events

Book signings with authors and illustrators, offering a chance to meet readers, the public, and curious visitors.

Exhibitions in the City

Solo shows dedicated to illustrators and the creative process behind their work, displayed in various locations around the city, often accompanied by readings, audio narrations, and interactive digital features.

Meet the Authors

Dedicated moments to explore the work of authors and illustrators, go behind the scenes of an illustrated book, ask questions, and discover curiosities.

Focus Sessions

Panels, hands-on workshops, seminars, and talks with authors and professionals (teachers, psychologists, care home staff) who integrate picture books into their activities. These sessions reveal another side of picture books—as tools for education and exploration of specific themes.

Kite at School

Workshops during and after the festival in local schools, aimed at introducing children to the book as an object, to the world of publishing, to the art of illustration, or to specific books and the role of the author. The festival also promotes an illustration contest for students from participating schools.

Workshops for Children, Teens, and Adults

Creative labs hosted in bookshops, cultural venues, and at the headquarters of Kite Edizioni, where authors and illustrators guide participants—children on their own or with their parents—through hands-on activities.

Portfolio Review

An opportunity for aspiring authors and illustrators to present their work to publishing professionals, who will provide feedback, open dialogues, and explore possible future collaborations.

---

LOCATIONS

Autori in città comes to life through the independent bookshops that host workshops and readings: Zabarella, Piccolo grande Bubo, Pel di Carota, Pangea, Minerva; /Càr-ta/ in the Salboro district; La Volpe Volante in the Santa Rita district; Limerick in the Arcella district; and Lester & Bob in Cittadella.

In addition to these bookshops, events have been held at the headquarters of Kite Edizioni and at Parco Milcovich in the Arcella neighborhood—venues that will continue to be involved alongside new cultural spaces and exhibition sites throughout the city, with which new partnerships will be established.

Past Editions

Autori in città was launched in 2020, offering workshops, creative labs, and opportunities for illustrators, authors, and readers to connect.
Since 2024, the festival has aimed to expand further, involving even more venues and organizations across the city—building on the places that have already hosted Autori in città in previous years.