The Read. International Convention of Books and Ideas has opened applications for its 2026 edition, scheduled to take place in Barcelona from September 16–18.
Following a landmark debut that saw over 250 publishers from 44 countries congregate in the Catalan capital, the convention returns as a premier hub for magazines, podcasters and cultural curators dedicated to critical debate.
The organisers have launched an expanded Read Fellowship Programme in a significant move to foster diversity. This year’s initiative will award 100 travel grants (either full or partial) to international participants. It will also provide 50 accommodation slots in central Barcelona.
According to a statement, the programme is placing a particular emphasis on applicants from the Global South, specifically those from Latin America and the Middle East, alongside projects with a focus on Palestine and those challenging dominant global narratives.
Read 2026 is designed as a hybrid of professional networking and public intellectual exchange. The three-day event will feature: Professional Stream – Dedicated B2B sessions, rights meetings, and editorial assemblies aimed at fostering long-term transnational collaboration and Public Stream – A series of high-level panels and talks addressing the most urgent political and social questions of the modern era.
“Read is an invitation to join a growing community working to rethink the role of publishing in a rapidly changing world,” said the organising team.
Prospective participants are encouraged to note the following deadlines:
• Applications Open: February 18
•Fellowship Applications Close: May 18
•Results Announced: May 25
While the fellowship deadline is in May, general registration for the convention will remain open for a few additional weeks, subject to capacity.
Interested publishers and cultural practitioners can find further details and application forms at convention.read.barcelona.
