Organizer Information
The Seattle Art Book Fair (SABF) is a nonprofit, community-driven annual festival dedicated to independent publishing, artist books, zines, and experimental printed matter. The fair brings together artists, designers, small presses, collectives, and cultural organizations to celebrate contemporary practices in bookmaking and print culture. SABF is organized by longtime Seattle designers and cultural workers Jayme Yen and Tom Eykemans and is supported by Shunpike, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts service organization in Washington State. Shunpike provides essential operational and administrative support to independent art initiatives across the region. The fair emphasizes accessibility, free public programming, and a collaborative spirit, offering talks, workshops, installations, and educational activities that bring the local publishing and arts community into dialogue with national and international practitioners.
Title & Description
Seattle Art Book Fair – Participation Opportunity / Exhibitor & Program Engagement
The Seattle Art Book Fair invites artists, publishers, designers, and print-based practitioners to participate in its annual celebration of contemporary artist books and independent publishing. The fair showcases a wide range of creative publishing practices, including handmade artist books, risograph zines, photobooks, printed ephemera, experimental publications, and interdisciplinary printed media. Participants gain visibility through in-person engagement with audiences, public programming, and the fair’s promotional channels.
Categories
Artist Books / Publishing / Zines / Printmaking / Visual Art
Eligibility
The fair welcomes international and national participants, including individual artists, collectives, studios, small presses, and nonprofit organizations. Eligibility for special programs (such as the Page Turner Fellowship) may be restricted to Washington State residents or emerging artists.
Program Benefits & Awards
Participants receive a public exhibition space within the fair venue, direct engagement with visitors and collectors, inclusion in the fair’s digital program, and opportunities for networking through talks, workshops, and community events. Select programs, such as the Page Turner Fellowship, include a stipend, mentorship, production support, and a dedicated presentation opportunity.
Application Fee
No Entry fee
Application Requirements
- Personal or organizational information
- Portfolio or samples of publications
- Description of proposed materials for exhibition
- Artist/press statement
- Links to website or social media
Special programs may additionally require a project proposal or draft publication.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 31 December 2025
- Seattle Art Book Fair: May 9–10, 2026
Location
Seattle, Washington, USA.
Additional Details
The Seattle Art Book Fair is a free public event focused on inclusivity, community access, and expanding the field of independent publishing. The fair includes public workshops, hands-on print activities, talks, and interactive installations. The organizers acknowledge that the event takes place on the traditional lands of the Coast Salish peoples, specifically the Duwamish Tribe.
Website Link: https://www.seattleartbookfair.org/
