“It’s an excellent opportunity to share your ideas and where you can feel ‘identified’, especially as a foreigner,” says Juan Cisneros Neumann, spokesperson from the event’s board of directors.

More than seventy established artists, independent publishers and newcomers will participate in this year’s fair. Visitors can expect talks, workshops and presentations in both English and Spanish, reflecting the fair’s commitment to multilingualism and cross-cultural exchange.

A cornerstone of the art community

Established in 2012, VABF’s story is deeply entwined with the local creative community. Cisneros Neumann first encountered the fair as a student at Emily Carr University, where a printmaking class led by artist Beth Howe encouraged students to create and display their own publications. His contributions to the fair started in 2015. Over the years, he became a regular participant and eventually a board member for the fair. He credits VABF with giving him a sense of belonging.

“As a foreigner, it opened doors for me to feel part of a vibrant creative community in Vancouver,” he says.

The fair has continually adapted to changing times. It was initially held at the historic Vancouver Art Gallery (VAG). For Cisneros Neumann, the VAG provided a unique setting, as the iconic building which was formerly the court house opened its doors to the public. Another change occurred during the pandemic when VABF went online, broadening its reach and allowing artists from Latin America to participate virtually.

“The virtual edition brought in people who couldn’t travel, making Vancouver a creative hub with global resonance,” Cisneros Neumann notes.

He adds the city’s unique contribution to the international art book scene lies in its openness, diversity and collaborative spirit. The fair’s “chameleonic” nature – its ability to adapt and welcome new voices – keeps it relevant on the world stage.

“Vancouver is a city where many ideas originate, even if people don’t always realize it,” he adds.

The faces of the fair

To ensure accessibility, VABF offers incentives for emerging artists and students, such as reduced fees or volunteer opportunities. The event is free to the public and the venue provides easy-to-access ramps and a central location.

“There’s a whole system of support so you can present your work at the event, which I think is fantastic,” says Cisneros Neumann. “The fair is completely inclusive; we have participants from all communities.”

He suggests that an “art book” is a flexible, boundary-pushing object. They do not have to resemble traditional books. Rather, he sees them as a “compendium” of people’s work – taking any shape or form that “carries [their] ideas.”

“You are dealing directly with the people who make the books,” Cisneros Neumann says. “That’s the most beautiful part of the event.”

His own project, Tortilla Press, exemplifies this spirit. Each year, he publishes a collaborative newspaper for the fair, inviting contributions from artists with diverse backgrounds.

“This year, the cover was done by a Vancouver artist, and inside there are texts and illustrations by artists from Peru, Vancouver Island, Mexico City, and Venezuela,” Cisneros Neumann says.

As a Mexican artist in B.C., Cisneros Neumann sees his work as a bridge between cultures, languages and artistic traditions. The artist who is always looking to “explore who [he] is and where [he] belongs” hopes that both participants and visitors leave the fair with a sense of discovery.

“I’d like people to have an experience outside the ordinary, to stumble upon something special in their daily walk,” Cisneros Neumann states.

VABF, with its open doors and collaborative ethos, offers him – and countless others – a place to share those explorations with the people of Vancouver and beyond.

For more information on VABF, see www.vancouverartbookfair.com

For more information about Juan Cisneros Neumann, see www.juancisnerosneumann.com