For the first time since 2019, Vancouver Art Book Fair (VABF) returns for an in-person event at the Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre from July 26–27, 2024, plus new this year, is a day-long symposium on July 28 at Emily Carr University about art publishing.
“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.”
With more than 80 exhibitors from across the country and around the world, Canada’s longest-running international art book fair takes place on Friday, July 26, from 11am–9pm and Saturday, July 27, from 10am–6pm at the Roundhouse Exhibition Hall. This year’s list of exhibitors includes: 51 Personae (Shanghai), e-flux (NYC), Femme Art Review (London, ON), Hotam Press (Vancouver), and Norsk Risoforening (Oslo), among many others. There will also be performances by Julian Yi-Zhong Hou and more.
Additional programs include a special reading by Cathy Busby of excerpts from Garry Kennedy’s new posthumously produced publications. The Vancouver Art Gallery will co-sponsor a special panel discussion on zines, as an extension of their current exhibition Copy Machine Manifestos: Artists Who Make Zines. Outside of the hall, the Roundhouse Turntable Plaza will feature a food truck and DJs providing music throughout the fair.
At Emily Carr University on Sunday, July 28, from 10am–5pm, the new symposium will focus on the development of publications. As oftentimes exhibitors miss the opportunity to connect with others while they work the fair, the symposium will offer time and space to foster essential conversations and collaborations. Panels will focus on magazines and art criticism, distribution and funding, and more. Speakers include Anton Vidokle and Brian Kuan Wood, co-founders of e-flux Journal; Blair Swann, executive director of Art Metropole (Toronto), one of the world’s earliest artist-run bookstores; Emmy Catedral, curator of public programs and bookstore for New York’s Center for Art, Research and Alliances; Vancouver-based writer Jacquelyn Zong-Li Ross, and more.
Vancouver Art Book Fair admission is free and open everyone, visit 2024.vancouverartbookfair.com for the full list of exhibitors and the symposium program.