Since 2015, the Melbourne Art Book Fair (MABF) has brought together publishers, artists and designers to showcase some of the world’s best publications in bookshops, galleries, libraries, community centres and public gardens across Melbourne and Victoria. The fair celebrates Melbourne’s status as a UNESCO City of literature, connects Melbourne to international publishers and designers, and provides a trading place for those dedicated to printed matter. Past international guests to the fair include: Metahaven, Experimental Jetset, Girls Like Us and Printed Matter.

In 2023, the first weekend sees the popular Stallholder Fair held at NGV’s Great Hall featuring the work of artists, designers and publishers. Throughout the festival, satellite events will take place in bookshops, galleries, libraries, community centres, public gardens and design studios around metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.

The Stallholder Fair will take place Fri 19 May to Sun 21 May at the NGV Great Hall, with a satellite program of events across Victoria until May 28.

The curation of the program is led by Megan Patty Head of Publications, Photographic Services and Library; and Cora Diviny Melbourne Art Book Fair Coordinator.