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ArtsLibris Barcelona: The art of the book as a living object
ArtsLibris Barcelona celebrates its 16th edition at MACBA from October 10 to 12.
“The book is not the end result of a process. It must be considered a beginning, a propellant for new intellectual adventures.” This was stated by the Dutchman Pieter Verbeke, founder of San Serriffe in Amsterdam, a bookstore that is conceived not as a store, but as an artistic project.
Barcelona hosts the 16th edition of ArtsLibris, the International Contemporary Publishing Fair, an essential event for lovers of artist books, contemporary bibliophiles and experimental publishing. Beyond being a conventional fair, ArtsLibris is a space where the book becomes a work of art: a physical object cared for down to the smallest detail, combining design, content and concept.
The fair brings together independent publishers, artists, designers and collectors from all over the world. Participants explore formats such as the artist's book, the photobook, self-publishing or limited editions, committed to innovation, craftsmanship and creative freedom.
ArtsLibris doesn't just show books: it creates a community. Through presentations, debates, exhibitions and workshops, it becomes a living forum where ways of narrating, editing and publishing are rethought. The fair is also a platform for emerging voices and projects that often fall outside the usual commercial circuits.
With its own permanent bookstore in Barcelona, ArtsLibris remains active throughout the year, promoting publishing as an artistic and critical practice. It is, in short, a celebration of editorial freedom and the book as a space for experimentation.
From October 10 to 12, MACBA will host a new edition of ArtsLibris with this year's program starting on Thursday, October 9 with the seminar Cuando nos despertamos, el libro (de artista) todavía estaba allí , which will take place in the Meier Auditorium of MACBA. This reflective and critical day proposes an approach to the artist's book from multiple perspectives, with the participation of professionals, researchers and creators from the publishing and artistic sectors.
Once the Barcelona event has ended, ArtsLibris will continue its international journey with its edition in Guadalajara (Mexico), which will be held from November 29 to December 7, consolidating itself as a project that crosses borders and strengthens the global network of contemporary artistic publishing.
