This February, Printed Matter will launch its first Virtual Art Book Fair (PMVABF), presenting more than 400 exhibitors from over 40 countries. Since 2005, Printed Matter’s Art Book Fairs have hosted international exhibitors featuring a wide variety of published works—from zines and artists’ books to rare and out of print publications, and contemporary art editions. Held shortly after the 15th anniversary of the inaugural NY Art Book Fair, this online Fair gathers our NY and LA Art Book Fair communities and expands the Fairs’ reach to welcome more exhibitors and visitors than ever before.

Over the course of five days, PMVABF will feature a marketplace for visitors to learn about and purchase books from all around the world. Visitors can attend dozens of free live and pre-recorded programs, chat directly with artists and publishers from many different time zones, play games to discover new books being launched at the Fair, see performances by a range of musicians, connect with other visitors, and enjoy many other opportunities to support independent artistic practice and publishing.

Visit pmvabf.org to see the list of exhibitors, begin planning your calendar, and learn more about PMVABF!

Each PMVABF exhibitor will present an individualized website where visitors will encounter artists’ books for purchase, book trailers and artist-made videos, panels and talks, as well as the chance to interact with exhibitors.

PMVABF featured programs include lectures, DJ sets, screenings and conversations, led by artists, publishers, designers, musicians, and writers.

Friendly Fire—a section of the Fair centering publishing practices that address themes of injustice and resistance—presents discussions and workshops with Frederick Weston and Samuel R. Delany, Press Press in partnership with the Institute for Expanded Research and Lu Zhang, and Temporary Services / Half Letter Press.

The longstanding Classroom series highlights exciting new releases and fosters dialogue around important themes within contemporary art publishing, including events with Dayanita Singh, Chip Lord, Dodie Bellamy, Fia Backström, and Amy Sillman.

The Stage will bring together a multigenerational and global community of musicians with performances from NYC’s Papi Juice collective, Qatar’s Sonic Jeel collective, the multi-instrumental mystic Laraaji, and more.

Register for the opening today for free at https://pmvabf.org/

PMVABF will kick-off with a celebratory Opening event on Wednesday, February 24 at 4pm EST, which will include musical performances, a new variety show by Bob Baker Marionette Theater, the premiere of RE/Search Publications’s V. Vale and Marian Wallace’s theme song for the Fair, plus interactive activities, and many ways to discover publishers, hang out, and have fun! 

Artist Cory Arcangel has produced a special new artwork edition for the PMVABF Opening!
SimplySimplify (image above) is a new work produced as two editions, one as a digital download in an open edition, and the second as a limited edition screen print.

We encourage all visitors and friends of Printed Matter to purchase these Opening editions in support of the PMVABF, a non-profit production only made possible with your engagement.

While the past year has been challenging for the field of independent and artists’ publishing, we’re grateful and excited for the chance to bring this community together to uplift the important work of both new and longstanding exhibitors. Join us for our largest international gathering yet in celebration of artists’ books and art related publishing.