HABF is a gathering for art publishers and art book enthusiasts. There is a significant art book history in Halifax that has largely gone unnoticed - HABF wants to bring Atlantic art books out in the open and foster a space for new friendships, connections and ideas.
The fair is book focused. Our mandate prioritizes artists' books, catalogues, monographs, periodicals, zines, or related printed material. Visitors can also expect programming about the art book and its surrounding concepts.
The co-directors of the fair are Andrew & Marite Kuus-Hill, who can be contacted through email and Instagram. The board of the HABF is composed of Alek Green, Alex Turgeon, Bryne McLaughlin, Craig Leonard, and Rebecca Young.
The fair takes place in Mi'kma'ki, on the unceded and stolen territory of the Mi'kmaq people. We are grateful to live, work, learn and play on these lands.
The fair will always be free to attend.
Friday, September 11th
Why do we need art book fairs?
A workshop from Marite Kuus-Hill
Fiction as Art Writing
A reading/writing session featuring Cesar Aira, facilitated by Sylvie Fortin and Karin Cope
No registration required. Drop in session. Presented in collaboration with MSVU Art Gallery.
Saturday, September 12th
Hearsay Heresy
A presentation from Seppe-Hazel Laeremans on the history of print, witch hunts, and Small Press as counter-practice.
30 Years of Conundrum Press: A Panel Discussion
Conundrum Press was founded in 1996, amid the political turmoil and cultural vibrancy of post-referendum Montreal. They published an eclectic array of work including art books, zines, comics, and novels. Thirty years later they are based in Wolfville, Nova Scotia and focus on literary graphic novels. Join founder and publisher Andy Brown as he describes the process of creating a publishing house from the ground up and sustaining an alternative publishing practice over the decades. Featuring contributors to 30x30: Thirty Years of Conundrum Press, including Elly Hannon and Veronica Post, as well as the launch of Borderline, the debut book from Indigenous artist Zeta Paul. Other Conundrumites will also be present to take your questions. Come one, come all!
Satellite Programming
Opening of Celina Eceiza solo exhibition "A material called Earth, Volume 2: I will remember this body", curated by Sylvie Fortin on September 12th, with a reception from 1:00-3:00 pm at MSVU Art Gallery.