International Contemporary Artists’ Book Fair at The Tetley

Sarah-Clare Conlon, Literature Editor

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International Contemporary Artists’ Book Fair

3-4 March 2018

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

International Contemporary Artists’ Book Fair. Photo by Jules Lister.
International Contemporary Artists' Book Fair. Photo by Jules Lister.
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Like books? Like art? You’ve come to the right place! This weekend-long fair is an art-and-book-lover’s playground, with over 50 stalls purveying the finest in artistically oriented tomes. Setting up shop are independent publishers from around the UK and beyond these shores, plus international art collectives, such as the whnicPRESS imprint, and even individual artists themselves.

Yes, it’s the return of the world-renowned International Contemporary Artists’ Book Fair – the longest-running artists’ book fair outside London. And as well as providing the perfect opportunity for picking up the latest in artist books, the Fair lets you meet and chat to artists, makers and writers about their process. Who knows, you might even unearth an original artwork or two to make off with.

The Fair marks its 21st anniversary this year, building on humble beginnings in Halifax, so they’ll be cracking open the party poppers and celebrating with soon-to-be-revealed events, including talks and live performances. Since 1997, the Fair has attracted national and international interest, welcoming thousands of visitors to various venues, including at The Tetley, where it is now in its fifth year.

The event is co-curated with PAGES, a Leeds-based audience engagement agency offering an integrated programme of artists’ book-related initiatives. For this year’s Fair, the PAGES team is co-ordinating the appearance of disability arts project Shoddy, along with paperscissorsbook, a touring exhibition showcasing some of the best UK and international artists currently working with paper and the book format today.

Also represented this year and worth sniffing out is Longbarrow Press, which curates artist/poet collaborations and publishes poetry collections, from traditionally produced hardbacks to handmade editions.

On Saturday, the Fair runs 11am until 5pm and, on Sunday, 11am until 4pm. It coincides with The Hepworth Wakefield’s Print Fair, so schedule in both for an art-filled weekend. Definitely looks good on paper!

What's on at The Tetley

Where to go near International Contemporary Artists’ Book Fair at The Tetley

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Leeds Dock

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The Royal Armouries Museum, Leeds

The Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds is home to the national collection of arms and armour, set in Leeds Dock, just a short walk from Leeds city centre.

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Sheaf Street Cafeteria

Part of the effortlessly cool Duke Studios, Sheaf Street offers all kinds of interesting food and drink plus events and resident DJs.

Jurys Inn Leeds
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Leonardo Hotel

At the Leonardo Hotel Leeds they aim to make your stay exceptional. It starts as soon as you step inside the hotel, from the welcoming bar atmosphere and comfortable Costa Coffee lounge, to the relaxed quality of their restaurant.

The Tetley Bar and Kitchen
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The Tetley Bar and Kitchen

The Tetley Bar and Kitchen is a British restaurant based in the heart of Leeds, where all proceeds go towards supporting the venue’s artistic programme.

The Adelphi Leeds
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The Adelphi Leeds

Old Victorian pub, decked out with wood panelling and old tiling, specialising in real ale and quality pub food.

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Salem Chapel, Leeds

Salem Chapel is a multipurpose venue for conferences, exhibitions, meetings and training days in Leeds. 

LEEDS MINSTER
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Leeds Minster

Leeds Minster is a building rich in history and heritage. Explore the space, light a votive candle or listen to the famous organ when you visit.

Riveresque Cafe Leeds
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Riveresque

Riveresque is a laid-back riverside café in the heart of Leeds.

Clayton Hotel Leeds
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Clayton Hotel

Modern and family-friendly hotel in the centre of Leeds, complete with classy restaurant and in-house fitness rooms.

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Poet Mike Garry. Photo Paul Wolfgang Webster
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Word Central is a long-standing live literature favourite at Central Library and features open mic performers and a special guest, brought to you by Manchester Libraries and Flapjack Press.

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