Vancouver Art Book Fair is going IRL for the first time in five years

by Vicki Duong on June 27th, 2024 at 2:27 PM

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Books! Art! Books about art! Art…about books?

The Vancouver Art Book Fair is back in-person for the first time since 2019, with community-driven offerings highlighting the publishing and circulation of artistic books and periodicals.

Over two days, VABF will take place at the Roundhouse Exhibition Hall and feature over 80 exhibitors from across the globe—plus special readings and discussions. Noteworthy events include Cathy Busby reading Garry Kennedy’s posthumous publications, and a panel discussion on zines co-sponsored by the Vancouver Art Gallery as an extension of its visiting exhibition Copy Machine Manifestos: Artists Who Make Zines.

“Attending VABF in-person is a unique experience, as you can explore a vast array of art publications from DIY zines to elaborately printed artist books, monographs, catalogues, and magazines,” says Maxine Proctor, board chair of VABF. “We hope visitors leave with an armful of books and a new appreciation for the diversity and vibrancy of art publishing in Canada and the rest of the world. Artists treat publishing as an art form, creating sculptural objects that have the ability to circulate and reach unexpected audiences.”

New to the art book fair this year is the addition of a symposium at Emily Carr University about art publishing, which provides an in-depth look at publication development, panel discussions, and an opportunity to network.