The International Visitors (IV) Programme was established to offer a cultural exchange between Canada’s finest talent and some of the most influential publishing figures from around the world, providing Canadian authors, publishers, and agents a competitive advantage in securing international rights and distribution deals. The Programme’s carefully planned schedule allows for extensive interaction in various settings between visiting figures and all levels of the Canadian book industry. 

Centered around the International Festival of Authors (IFOA), the Programme offers the Canadian publishing industry the opportunity to host a small group of key international publishing professionals over a five-day period against the prestigious backdrop of the Festival, exposing them to the Canadian book world at its celebratory best at a time when many of our nation’s finest talents are gathered in one city.

Visitors experience both the breadth of our talent and the depth of our industry’s commitment to that talent through several events scheduled by the IV Programme and IFOA as they enjoy many of the highlights the city of Toronto and the province of Ontario offer.

The IV Programme is grateful to the Ontario Media and Development Corporation (OMDC) and the Department of Canadian Heritage for funding that helps to make this Programme possible. Thanks also to Authors at Harbourfront Centre for supporting the Programme as part of their International Festival of Authors, and to the Canadian publishing industry for its ongoing support and sponsorship of individual events.