Melbourne Art Book Fair
29 Apr–1 May 2016
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Special Events
Visiting Melbourne Art Book Fair
Make the most of your Melbourne Art Book Fair experience with extended opening hours until 8pm on Saturday, and great food and drinks available all weekend to fuel you through two days of free talks, book launches, performances and more.
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Melbourne Art Book Fair is open
Sat 29 Apr: 10am–8pm
Sun 1 May: 10am–5pm
Free entry at NGV International. Prices are noted for ticketed programs and events.
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Enjoy famous Tivoli Road Bakery doughnuts; too good to miss at Melbourne Art Book Fair. Coffee, lunch and treats are also available for purchase all weekend.
Image: Bec Hudson Photography
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Grab Biggie Smalls’ signature lamb or falafel kbabs and a tempting side of hot crinkles. Staying true to his Middle Eastern trademark, Shane Delia has created a ‘Kbab joint’ like no other.
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Drop by the Asahi Super Dry bar for a cold, crisp and refreshing beer over the weekend.
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Visit the NGV design store stand for exclusive Melbourne Art Book Fair collaborations with Australian artists Agatha Gothe-Snape and Toby Pola, and architecture collective SIBLING.
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Enjoy music all weekend curated by Australian creative-based practice Tin&Ed.
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Share your Melbourne Art Book Fair experience using #NGVABF and tag @NGVMelbourne.
Participants
About
Featuring some of the world’s most creative emerging and established publishers, artists and writers, the 2016 Melbourne Art Book Fair presents a dynamic program of free talks, book launches and performances over three days from Friday 29 April to Sunday 1 May. Now in its second year, the fair, which drew 16,000 visitors to NGV International last year, presents twice as many publishers and events in 2016.
Bangkok-based artist Wit Pimkanchanapong has designed a translucent canopy comprising thousands of geometric polymer folds suspended from the Great Hall ceiling under which guests can browse more than 60 stalls showcasing art books, independent zines, limited edition prints and more.
The program launch on Friday 29 April features an all-day International Symposium on the Future of Design for Publishing, followed by a ticketed Evening Preview granting visitors exclusive first access to limited-edition publications as well as music performances, art, pop-up bars and food.
The Melbourne Art Book Fair hosts special international guests Sternberg Press from Berlin in their Australian debut. Max Bach, editor of Sternberg Press, participates in a keynote In Conversation event with Melbourne writer and academic Justin Clemens on Sunday 1 May.
In 2016, over twenty publications will be launched at the Melbourne Art Book Fair.
- Where and when
The Melbourne Art Book Fair takes place at NGV International, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne from 10am-5pm, Saturday 30 April and Sunday 01 May 2016, with a special evening preview party on Friday 29 April 2016. The Fair is free and open to the public.
- Preview evening
A ticketed preview evening takes place on Friday 29 April 2016 from 6–10pm. The preview is a special opportunity for visitors to preview the Fair, purchase limited edition publications and interact with publishers and artists before the weekend program commences. The preview is also a curated social, music, food and beverage experience. Tickets will be available from 30 March. All stall holders will be granted two complimentary tickets to the preview event.
- Who attends?
Those after a ‘must do’ cultural experience. The Melbourne Art Book Fair will feature a range of publishers, crossing art, architecture and design. Coupled with talks, forums, performances, food and drinks, the Melbourne Art Book Fair will feature something for everyone to enjoy, all in the one venue at NGV International.
- Who can apply for a stall?
Publishers, artists and designers whose practices focus on art, design or architecture can apply to be considered for the Melbourne Art Book Fair. Submissions will be assessed for suitability.
- How to apply
Expressions of interest are open via the Melbourne Art Book Fair website. Places are extremely limited and subject to suitability. Expressions of interest close 31 January 2016 and successful stallholders will be contacted directly with more information.
Supporters
The NGV gratefully acknowledges The Trust Company Australia Foundation, managed by Perpetual for their support of the 2016 Melbourne Art Book Fair.
The International Symposium on the Future of Design for Publishing is presented by the RMIT Design Futures Lab and generously supported by the Copyright Agency’s Cultural Fund.
The NGV acknowledges assistance provided by the Melbourne UNESCO City of Literature Office in the presentation of the Melbourne Art Book Fair. The inclusion of Sternberg Press in the event is proudly supported by the NGV Friends of the Gallery Library.
Event Partner
The NGV acknowledges the assistance of Hub Furniture and The Social Studio in the Fair design.