Vancouver Art Book Fair (VABF), Canada’s longest-running international art book fair returns to the Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre from July 4–6.
Produced with Emily Carr University’s Libby Leshgold Gallery, Fillip, Vancouver Art Gallery, and Western Front, this year’s program features representation from nearly 100 exhibitors from across the country and beyond.
“Reflecting the current global climate, this year’s Vancouver Art Book Fair features an expanded public program that directly engages with pressing issues,” says Sharon Bradley, co-manager of VABF. “Like the rest of the world, the art book sector is keenly aware of recent political shifts and rising tensions surrounding borders, safety, and free speech. This has manifested in various ways, from exhibitors adjusting travel plans to a thoughtful consideration of the content within their publications.”
VABF’s other co-manager, Jonathan Middleton adds, “There are many things that make this event special — the vast bulk of artists’ publications one might experience at the fair can really be thought of as artworks in book form. They are portable, generally affordable, and ideal for sharing. An artists’ book is gallery, sculpture, image, and touring package all in one. This format has deep roots in political activism and experimental practices, including correspondence art, Conceptual Art, and the Fluxus movement. At the fair, visitors will witness an incredible range of production types. At one end you have small-run, DIY zines, often employing photocopiers, risograph printers, or other affordable means of printing. On the other end of the scale, there are elaborately printed and bound museum catalogues and monographs. It’s rare to have this range of works under one roof, not to mention, the opportunity to speak directly with the artists, editors, and publishers that put their ideas and labour into making them real.”
This year’s fair features 29 new exhibitors, including Nothing New Projects (Canada), an independent risograph print and publishing studio based in Ottawa; ODD ONE OUT (Hong Kong), a pioneering gallery focused on illustration, graphic arts, and printmaking; Now Place (USA), a San Francisco-based independent publisher dedicated to championing female and emerging artists from the Asian diaspora; Homie House Press (USA), a sisterhood for underrepresented folx to create and publish in the printed photo book medium; and many more. VABF also welcomes first-time Vancouver-based institutions Griffin Art Projects and VIVO Media Arts Centre. As well, local artists, Hazel Meyer, Paige Gratland and Cathy Busby will present new publications.
Expanded public programming will include, workshops, off-site exhibition, conversations, roundtables, panels and discussions. In addition, VABF is working in conversation with art libraries in the region to make it easier for libraries to acquire publications from small and independent art book presses, and will provide a special preview and networking hour for librarians and exhibitors.
Vancouver Art Book Fair runs July 4-6, 2025 with free admission for all, at Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre, 181 Roundhouse Mews. The full list of exhibitors and public programming is available at vancouverartbookfair.com.