The Paperback Art Book Fair 2026 will return to Riyadh from November 5 to 7, 2026, taking over the JAX District (B6) for three days dedicated to art, literature, and contemporary creative publishing. The event transforms the district into a dynamic cultural space where printed matter, visual experimentation, and independent publishing practices come together in one place. Organised by the Diriyah Biennale Foundation, the fair will showcase artists’ books, independent publications, zines, and experimental works that challenge traditional ideas of reading, writing, and bookmaking. Alongside the exhibitions, visitors can expect a wide-ranging programme of talks, panel discussions, book launches, live performances, and workshops, as well as collaborative projects developed with regional and international cultural organisations, expanding dialogue around publishing as an artistic practice.
The event also serves as a key meeting point for artists, publishers, booksellers, collectors, designers, and readers, creating space for networking, collaboration, and cultural exchange across different creative disciplines. Participants from Saudi Arabia, the wider GCC region, Asia, Europe, and beyond are expected to take part, with previous editions featuring names such as Brownbook, Cairo Art Book Fair, Set Margins’ Publications, and 51 Personae, reflecting its increasingly international profile. Overall, the fair highlights Riyadh’s fast-growing contemporary creative scene and its expanding role in global cultural conversations. It celebrates innovation in publishing and visual culture, while also offering visitors an accessible way to discover rare and experimental works, engage directly with creators, and connect with a broader global community of artists and publishers.
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