Seems like the annual Singapore Art Book Fair just happened yesterday, yet news of its return in 2019 has already dropped. The actual fair is happening Jun 28-30 at Gillman Barracks’ NTU Centre for Contemporary Art Singapore; but this sixth edition will also host year-round events to open the conversation on local publishing and art book culture.
A promising move, considering 2018’s event was largely a hodgepodge of independent illustrators and exhibitors peddling stickers. The last edition saw its largest number of exhibitors yet, with 67 exhibitors from Singapore and countries like China, Japan, and the UK. Local titles like Sand Magazine and STAPLE Magazine held down the fort, but unfortunately, STAPLE announced that it would be going on a hiatus; so that’s one less publication to look forward to. In the next edition however, the weekend book fair will be complemented by fringe talks and performances that hopefully will broaden the art book fair’s offerings further.
The Zine Room, the saving grace at Singapore Art Book Fair 2018
Still, if you enjoyed the 2018 affair, you’ll be pleased to know that the Zine Room, brilliantly curated by Squelch Zines, will be making a comeback. Zine-makers can buy and swap zines with fellow creatives; while curious fairgoers can continue to browse the Zine Library, filled with limited-edition zines from local and international zine-makers, for free.
The Singapore Art Book Fair 2019 is currently calling for exhibitors, so if you’ve got more than just stickers to offer, apply by Feb 28 here.
