Over the last 10 years children’s and teens' books focusing on art have become more popular and published. What’s the message worldwide publishers are trying to convey?Introducing children to art, through direct experience, and also through books, is a precious gift, a very important part of the educational transition from an early age. Remember the metaphor that we often use when talking contemporary art? Let’s not think of it as a monolith, but rather as a diamond with a thousand bright facets, which represent the many viewpoints offered by the artistic productions, that’s new in present times.

The function of an artist's book is the same as that of contemporary art: an expression of creativity that often involve social implications. In this case in particular it is important to offer children the possibility of new readings, educating the eye, bearing in mind that we are immersed in a visual-centric world. Right from the start of childhood, we are bombarded by images. In this sense we can say, quoting Cecil Castellucci, that "Putting the right book in the right kid's hands is kind of like giving superpowers to That Kid".

What were the main criteria for evaluation required in Art Books, this year’s special category?
In a world where there is massive books over-production as well as of goods of any kind, it is all the rage, highlighting experimentation, freshness, and originality from the point of view of aesthetics and design that go beyond a stereotypical imagery. So the innovation of the project from the view of content was certainly a fundamental feature to consider, as well as the ability to transmit that content in a simple but poignant way, without trivializing it. Rather than mentioning specific authors, I would speak of the art of our time, of what we know up close and meet every day with our work in the education department of the Castello di Rivoli.
 

A number of  areas of art have been portayed to children through notable publications. Which other areas do you feel is still missing from the general offering?
There is still much work to be done to increase awareness on contemporary arts. Just think it’s 2017 and when contemporary art is mentioned, we think of twentieth century’s art. Yet we see the today’s artists as our "fellow travelers". Our museum is family and kid friendly. We welcome children from a very early age and we notice how extremely smart and receptive they are. All this, education to contemporary art 360°. I’d love to mention the book published by Castello di Rivoli in conjunction with Stefano Arienti’s exhibition. Time as a spiral of semi-precious stones. A real artist's project, which was an integral part of his exhibition for children, and essential to the education department.