Alejandra Chacoff and Vivian Lavín discuss the instruments that will broaden the reach of Chilean literature

On the road to the Frankfurter Buchmesse 2027, where Chile will be Guest of Honour, one of the key areas of publishing work is promoting the publication of Chilean works in multiple languages and territories. That was the central premise of the conversation “Support for translation, publication and production”, held on 28 May during Contec 2025, which brought together key actors of the book ecosystem.

Alejandra Chacoff, head of the Translation Programme at the Division of Cultures, Arts, Heritage and Public Diplomacy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (DIRAC), explained that the current focus is on strengthening the link between foreign publishers and Chilean authors:

“Our strategy for the internationalisation of books is based on facilitating the circulation of content in other languages. Through our support programme, we seek to have the rights to Chilean works acquired, translated and published by international imprints,” she said.

Drawing on her experience in cultural management and the promotion of literary rights, journalist and literary agent Vivian Lavín, president of the Sociedad de Derechos de las Letras, emphasised the impact of translation beyond the technical:

“Translation is a profound gesture of hospitality. It allows our stories to enter the home of other languages and other cultures. And that is essential if we want the Chilean book to have a real presence in the world.”

Both agreed that success in Frankfurt will depend largely on these instruments being known, used and decisively strengthened. Translation grants, rights acquisition and support for publishing projects are concrete steps to project abroad not only individual works but a national narrative.

The process towards 2027 is moving forward with a coordinated approach between the public and private sectors, committed to an internationalisation with identity, professionalism and a long-term vision.

Watch the conversation here (in Spanish): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gr3jrRL478g