Introducing art book fairs in various countries that support small publishing activities. Considering new possibilities for publishing distribution.
Art book fairs bring together artists and zine creators, publishers, galleries, bookstores, etc., to sell their publications while interacting with visitors. Unlike trade fairs and book fairs, which are centered on transactions between businesses involved in publishing such as copyright sales and have a strong commercial aspect, art book fairs are characterized by their high level of public nature, aiming to support the activities of artists and surrounding communities, and many artists and publishing labels exhibit at fairs in various countries and expand the scope of their activities while interacting with local communities. Along with the exchange of culture and knowledge through books, they also provide an opportunity to explore the possibilities of publishing distribution that does not rely on existing economic systems.
However, in recent years, the impact of the global pandemic has led to many fairs being canceled or moving online, as well as various other issues such as logistical problems. Even with online events attracting attention as a new attempt during the COVID-19 pandemic, only relatively large art book fairs have been able to create web platforms and sell online, which has led to a backlash towards face-to-face communication and a number of questions about fairs that have become too large.
Therefore, in this special feature, we decided to focus on art book fairs that have been newly established in recent years, as well as art book fairs in Asian countries that aim to create their own communities while referring to art book fairs in Europe and the United States. We conducted online interviews with the management organizations of seven fairs in China, Canada, Taiwan, the UAE, Singapore, Thailand, and Norway, and asked them about the status of holding the fairs during the COVID-19 pandemic and recommended titles from the publications of fair exhibitors. In addition, through contributions and interviews by publishing professionals who have participated in fairs in each country, we also attempt to consider the current role of art book fairs, as well as the distribution and preservation of art books.
Edited by IDEA Editorial Department
List price (tax included): 3,300 yen
Release date: March 10, 2022
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IDEA No. 397 (April 2022 issue) | Seibundo Shinkosha Co., Ltd. (seibundo-shinkosha.net)