Inaugural Melbourne Art Book Fair attracts 16,000 visitors

The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) has announced that the Melbourne Art Book Fair will become an annual event, after the inaugural fair attracted 16,000 visitors from 1-3 May.

The fair included more than 50 Australian and international books publishers showcasing fine art, architecture, design publications and small-run artist books. The fair also included book launches and signings, author and artist talks, and a symposium on independent design and book publishing.

Melbourne Art Book Fair initiator Megan Patty said the number of visitors shows ‘audiences have an appetite for contemporary art publishing and artist books and value publishing as a key cultural practice’. ‘I am excited that the Melbourne Art Book Fair will be an annual event for Melbourne, which will continue to grow and surprise audiences,’ said Patty.

The Melbourne Art Book Fair was supported by The Trust Company Australia Foundation and the Melbourne City of Literature Office.