How has the visual culture of books evolved over the past sixty years? What role have individuals, publishers, or national competitions played in shaping it? This international conference, held to mark the 60th edition of the Most Beautiful Czech Book of the Year competition, presents the book as a medium reflecting cultural, social, and aesthetic shifts across decades. Perspectives from various contexts will be offered by artist and collector Bernhard Cella (Vienna), graphic designer Lubica Segečová (Bratislava), progressive Leipzig-based publisher Spector Books, and Czech graphic designer and educator Petr Babák. The program will conclude with a panel discussion featuring this year’s jury members, addressing the current state of the competition, its challenges, and possible future directions.

Practical information:

• Talks by speakers from Austria and Germany will be in English without Czech interpretation.
• Admission is free.