Bridging the Gap: Some Perspectives from Yerevan, Armenia

Abstract

The government of Armenia and the Next Page Foundation supported the Sixth International Forum of Translators and Publishers held in Yerevan from 5th to 8th November 2012. Antje Sorensen and Richard Balkwill from the International Publishers Association led a two-day workshop entitled ‘The Role of Copyright System in the Promotion of Publishing as a Cultural Industry’. Presentations on international perspectives on copyright and the mechanics of trading in translation and other rights were blended with discussion and debate. The international issues of digital open access and free information were of less concern to local publishers than the effective application of and compliance to recent copyright laws in the country. Piracy was still sapping publishers’ business and continuing to deter potential foreign collaboration and co-publishing deals. The forum was enriched with an extensive program of cultural events and social gatherings.