The Danube Cultural Cluster association, founded on the initiative of the Balassi Institute – Collegium Hungaricum Vienna, has expanded its most successful international literary project: the Donau Lounge. The Donau Lounge represents itself with its own stand/stage and programs at international book fairs in the area.This unique literary program first came out at the 2012 BUCH WIEN – Vienna International Book Fair. Since then, within the framework of a wide international cooperation, the Donau Lounge has become a genuine regional program along the Danube. One of its principal aims is to establish a sincere and likeable cultural and literary platform for the nations along the Danube, in which the force of the cultural cohesion is represented by the river Danube itself.Besides showcasing a selection of recent publications, organizers of the Donau Lounge feature the discussion of themes and topics that are of great importance to the area: Such as the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War or the 25th anniversary of the collapse of communist regimes in Central and Eastern Europe.The basic idea of the Donau Lounge project was to provide a stage for “Danubian” literature, to establish Danube cultural cooperations, and to promote the EUDRS at huge, popular but highbrow events. Book fairs are ideal places for this kind of content and promotion having at the same time a strong impact on culture, economy, media and the public. The project was developed in accordance with the EUSDR, especially with Target 7 of PA 3 “Promoting exchange and networking in the field of contemporary arts in the Danube Region.” The Danube Lounge series helps to develop a literature cooperation platform in the Danube region. It clearly contributes to the exchange of thoughts and knowledge among authors, publishers, translators, journalists, cultural managers and the audience. It supports the connection of cultural players among each other and with other players of the Danube region. It is a high quality promotion tool for the results of contemporary arts (especially literature) and for the contemporary cultural issues of PA 3. Because of the EUSDR added value the EU Representation in Austria is a strong partner of the Donau Lounge project from the very beginning. Objective(s) - Strong “Danube cultural identity” - “Danube” as a quality cultural brand - Literary platform for the Danube region - Transnational cultural cooperation between relevant institutions, embassies, NGOs, publishing houses, book fair companies to enhance artist’s mobility, literature translation, book publishing and promotion along the Danube - Stronger cultural ties between the transnational regions along the Danube, new cultural elements and products that help cohesion and strengthen solidarity - High visibility Danube branding at book fairs with ten thousands of visitors within a couple of days - Economical/material benefit for book fairs and publishing houses - Increase of demand for translations The project has the following impacts on the Danube Region: • Economic impacts of a comprehensive transnational literature project: Through the Donau Lounge project book fairs become more attractive, having more visitors; a contribution to the book fairs means more chance for local job creation (at the book fair organization, at publishing houses, partner institutions). Book promotion leads to an increase in book sales (which could also lead to job creation). • Potential for economic impact on tourism in the Danube area: The promotion of Danube-issues generates interest for touristic activities while making the region more attractive • Economic impact on the literature scene in the Danube region: young talents get access to the book market of other countries, publishers bye licences/copyrights from each other, translators get more jobs • Social impacts of a transnational cultural project: new form of collaboration among policy makers, cultural institutions and members of the civil society, innovative forms of knowledge exchange, author’s mobility,education and dissemination • Social impact of a project with differing programme venues in the region: balanced relationship between locals (book fair organization, local institutions) and visitors (authors, partners, press), benefits to the local entrepreneurship and their employees • Cultural impacts of a defined transnational cultural region: increased cultural identity reaching through the borders, awareness of the common cultural/historical bonds and more understanding for the point of view of the neighbours (to overcome prejudice), new cultural networks among different cultural players and cities, information transfer about contemporary literature values Achievements: At BUCH WIEN 2014 some 40 guests from 11 Danube-countries took part in the Donau Lounge-programme. Through this programme the fair visitors can learn a lot about contemporary literature in the Danube area, about recent Danube-related publications and typical issues of the region (e.g. panel discussions on relevant historical anniversaries like 1914 or 1989). Publishing houses and the media get reliable information on publishing licences, translation support or contacts to other publishing houses, authors, translators or literature institutions in the Danube countries). During the last three years the Donau Lounge project has become a wide ranging, popular and sustainable cooperation. More and more bookfairs and festivals show interest in the event. For 2015 the following stations were planned: April: International Book Festival – Budapest (HU) May: Bookfest International Book Fair – Bucharest (RO) October: International Book Fair – Belgrade (RS) November: BUCH WIEN – Vienna International Book Fair (AT) Recently, first negotiations for a Donau Lounge programme at Leipzig International Book Fair 2016 have taken place.