The Vancouver Art Book Fair (VABF) is the longest-running international art book fair in Canada, and it’s completely free to check out next week.
New exhibitors in 2025
Organizers say that close to 100 Canadian and global exhibitors (galleries, publishers, and authors) will display their works, 29 of which are completely new to the fair. This includes the very first gallery in Hong Kong that’s dedicated to illustration and graphic arts, ODD ONE OUT, and Now Place, an independent publisher from San Francisco.
Visitors have the chance to check out hundreds of works and meet the creatives and fellow art enthusiasts behind them. Whether you’re looking to pick up a couple of one-of-a-kind DIY zines or a curated museum publication, there’s something for every art lover here.
“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.
Other co-manager Jonathon Middleton adds, “The vast bulk of artists’ publications one might experience at the fair can be thought of as artworks in book form. They are portable, generally affordable, and ideal for sharing.”
Queer perspectives and culture
The fair will also feature first-time local exhibitors, such as Griffin Art Projects and VIVO Media Arts Centre, in addition to a number of Vancouver-based artists presenting new publications. The latter includes A Queer History of Joyce Wieland by artist Hazel Meyer, who was longlisted for the Sobey Award.
Artist Paige Gratland will present Queers’ Vernacular, a project supported by the City of Vancouver Public Art Program. Inspired by The Queens’ Vernacular (1972) by Bruce Rodgers, the piece aims to develop a multilingual and intergenerational “dictionary” of LGBTQ/2S slang through artist talks that have been held with LGBTQ/2S artists.
More info on participating artists, publishers, and their works can be found online.
Dates & info
The three-day fair will take place from Friday, July 4 to Sunday, July 6, 2025, in the Exhibition Hall at the Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre.
Note that there are wheelchair-accessible washrooms on the ground floor.
Mark your calendars, Vancouver.
When: Friday, July 4 to Sunday, July 6, 2025
Time: 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday
Where: 181 Roundhouse Mews
Cost: Free admission
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