A Festival Where Pages Come Alive
Step into a world where every book is a work of art! The Vancouver Art Book Fair 2025 is set to transform the Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre from July 4 to 6. This vibrant event brings together more than 100 local and international exhibitors, offering everything from hand-stitched zines to stunning museum catalogues.
Stories That Connect: Cathy Busby’s Journey
One of the most touching highlights this year is Cathy Busby’s new book, I Wonder: Art + Care + Dementia. Through this deeply personal project, Busby shares her creative efforts to connect with her late spouse, Garry Neill Kennedy, during his final years. By painting familiar phrases and colors in his care home, she found ways to keep their artistic bond alive, even as dementia changed their daily lives. Her book, on display at the fair, invites readers to reflect on art, memory, and care.
Meet the Makers: Artists, Publishers, and You
At the fair, you won’t just browse books—you’ll meet the creative minds behind them. Visitors can chat with artists, editors, and publishers, discovering the stories and ideas that shape each publication. Whether you’re drawn to the bold activism of zines or the thoughtful design of monographs, there’s something for everyone.
New Faces and Fresh Ideas
This year, 29 new exhibitors join the lineup, including:
Odd One Out (Hong Kong): A gallery dedicated to illustration and printmaking.
Now Place (San Francisco): An indie publisher uplifting emerging Asian diaspora artists.
Nothing New Projects (Ottawa): A risograph print and publishing studio.
Local talents like Hazel Meyer will also debut new works, such as A Queer History of Joyce Wieland, celebrating the legacy of a pioneering Canadian artist.
Why Art Books Matter
Art books are more than just pages—they’re portable galleries, sculptures, and stories you can hold. The fair’s co-manager, Jonathan Middleton, points out that while the interests of large museums and zine-makers may differ, their passion for creative expression brings them together. The fair’s roots run deep, connecting to global movements and local traditions alike.
Dive In—Everyone’s Welcome
With free entry and a packed schedule of programs, panels, and workshops, the Vancouver Art Book Fair is open to all. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a curious newcomer, you’ll find inspiration at every turn. Don’t miss your chance to experience art in its most shareable form—one book at a time.
Event Details Table
| Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| July 4, 2025 | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre |
| July 5, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM | 181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver |
| July 6, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Vancouver, BC |
Ready to turn the page? The Vancouver Art Book Fair 2025 awaits—where every book tells a story, and every visitor becomes part of the art.
