The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) is thrilled to announce the 10th annual Melbourne Art Book Fair (MABF), a prestigious celebration honouring art book publishing and Melbourne’s distinction as a UNESCO City of Literature. Commencing today and continuing until 2 June 2024, the fair will animate multiple venues across Melbourne and Victoria with an exciting array of book launches, discussions, exhibitions, and more. Highlighting the event is a special in-conversation session with renowned art historian Katy Hessel, alongside a vibrant TV gameshow pop-up and a showcase featuring art and design publishing from across Australia and beyond.
Esteemed British author and art historian Katy Hessel, known for her influential podcast “The Great Women Artists,” will engage with NGV Curator of Contemporary Design and Architecture, Simone LeAmon, for a live discussion titled “Katy Hessel in Conversation: The Story of Art Without Men” on 29 May. This program, presented by NGV and The Wheeler Centre, will delve into Hessel’s critically acclaimed book, “The Story of Art Without Men,” which explores the often overlooked contributions of women in art history, reflecting her extensive work in uncovering female artists’ narratives from Australia and around the globe.
Moreover, the fair will celebrate the launch of NGV’s newest publication, “Observations: Moments in Design History.” Acclaimed design critic and author of “Design as an Attitude,” Alice Rawsthorn OBE, will discuss the socio-political implications of modern design with Sarah Teasley, sharing insights into how contemporary designers are tackling the pressing challenges of today’s society.
From 24 to 26 May, the Great Hall at NGV will transform into a dynamic marketplace, hosting over 100 stallholders. Featuring a spotlight on Indonesian publishers such as Binatang Press and KRACK! Studio, the Stallholder Fair will also include rotating exhibitions on Melbourne’s zine culture curated by Sticky Institute and a display of emerging publishers, offering visitors the chance to discover new imprints daily. Notably, the 2023 Stallholder Fair attracted over 20,000 visitors in just three days, making it a highlight of Melbourne’s cultural events calendar.
Engaging programs like “The Art of Good Conversation” by Lillian Ahenkan aka FlexMami will invite attendees to participate live through her ReFlex conversation cards, delving into topics on art and design in an interactive format.
Future Press, driven by Kids Own Publishing, will create a dedicated children’s space where young creators can author, illustrate, and design their own books. During the MABF weekend at NGV, these freshly minted publishers will present their work to the fair’s audience.
The fair also brings a nostalgic twist with Type-Set, blending pop-up talks and activities inspired by retro TV gameshows. Events include art-themed quiz shows and Matcher in the Rye, a humorous dating show-inspired segment, connecting participants based on their bookish preferences.
Zine making remains a central focus, with workshops led by local artists and a spotlight on regional participants, extending to venues like The Workshoppery in Ballarat and interactive sessions at the Geelong Library.
Expanding its reach, the Melbourne Art Book Fair will also venture into Geelong and the Surf Coast, featuring the May’d Arts Festival and activities at the Geelong Arts Centre. It includes discussions with local designers and an extended panel on independent publishing.
Student Day Out on Friday 24 May offers programs tailored to university students, beginning with a live recording of SYN Radio’s Art Smitten and creative career workshops, supporting young people pursuing paths in Victoria’s Creative Industries.
Tony Ellwood AM, Director of NGV, expressed pride in the fair’s evolution over the past decade, highlighting its significance in Victoria’s creative landscape by connecting local and international publishers, artists, and enthusiasts.
Presented as part of Melbourne Design Week, the 10th annual Melbourne Art Book Fair will run from 23 May to 2 June 2024 at NGV International and various venues across Victoria. For more details, visit ARTBOOKFAIR.MELBOURNE