Printed Matter’s LA Art Book Fair (LAABF) returns to The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA in 2019. This year’s Fair welcomes 390 exhibitors from more than 30 countries, featuring small press publishers, artists, collectives, institutions, galleries, antiquarian booksellers, and distributors, including the participation of nearly 100 first-time exhibitors. Over the course of the Fair weekend, the LAABF will bring together upward of 35,000 visitors from the broader LA community and beyond, serving as a meeting place for artists, publishers and book enthusiasts, as well as a space for dialogue and exchange around all facets of arts publishing. The 2019 edition of the Fair will feature a weekend-long schedule of artist led programs, including discussions, performances, interactive workshops, book signings, and special projects, offering a dynamic view into contemporary and historical art publishing.

THE LA ART BOOK FAIR OPENING NIGHT
Join us on Thursday, April 11 from 6–9 pm, at The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA for Opening Night. This special preview event offers a first chance to explore the LAABF 2019, and features live performances by Eartheater and special guests, presented by Mount Analog. Entry includes a limited edition embroidered patch by artist Jeffrey Cheung of Unity Press, newly created for the occasion.

Opening Night tickets are $20 (free for Printed Matter Members). Tickets are available for purchase online until 12 pm, April 11, 2019 and at the door while supplies last. Read more about the Ticket Edition and purchase here.

FEATURED PROGRAMS
The Classroom is a series of informal lectures, readings, screenings and other activities by artists, writers, designers, and publishers. LAABF 2019 participants include: Ed Morris and Susannah Sayler, Kandis Williams and Taylor Doran, Paul and Damon McCarthy, George Herms and Sarah Bancroft, Maya Gomez and Vreni Michelini Castillo, among many others. Organized by David Senior, Head of the Library and Archives, SFMOMA. Full Classroom schedule here.

Exhibitor Projects are special publication-focused presentations by select fair exhibitors. These projects range from historical surveys and archival displays to interactive environments with workshops. This year's projects including Anteism Books together with Artists + Machine Intelligence (A+MI), Corita Art Center, Gagosian, Paper Cuts and Werkplaats Typografie.

Under the Sun, presented by Printed Matter and Wide Rainbow, is a dynamic new space for children, teens and families within the LA Art Book Fair. Dedicated to the youngest members of the artists’ book community, Under the Sun will host free programs throughout the fair weekend including artist-led workshops, book launches, and guided walkthroughs of the Fair for public schools and shelters from the surrounding downtown Los Angeles community.

The Shannon Michael Cane Award is granted to four first-time LAABF exhibitors in the early stages of their careers. The inaugural LAABF winners are CHACO, Gold Rain, RUB, and Wendy’s Subway.

Contemporary Artists’ Books Conference (CABC), held next door at the Japanese American National Museum, will feature a keynote speaker and a panel session focusing on the state of artists’ books in Los Angeles.

Friendly Fire features presses and artists’ collectives that practice different forms of cultural, social, and political activism. This year's participants include Distribution Assembly East, Llano Del Rio Collective, ONE Archives Foundation, Press Press, Seite Books, and Women's Center for Creative Work, among others. Curated by Printed Matter’s Executive Director Max Schumann.

The Plaza Stage showcases emerging talent alongside legendary artists, hosting performances by musicians, sound artists, poets, and performance artists. This year's programs are presented by Mount Analog, Printed Matter, Inc., KCHUNG Radio, and Kill Your Idols.

NEW FUNDRAISING EDITIONS
On occasion of the LAABF 2019, Printed Matter presents new limited-edition artworks by Jeffrey Cheung of Unity Press, Jibade-Khalil Huffman, and Ella Kruglyanskaya. Fundraising editions support Printed Matter’s year-round work of providing resources to artists and championing the artists' books and publications through programs and services including the NY and LA Art Book Fair.