MEL PHOTOBOOK FAIR

MEL PHOTOBOOK FAIR

Organised by Matt Dunne, Rohan Hutchinson and Angus Scott.

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MEL Photobook Fair is a community-first photobook fair in Melbourne. Our aim is to host book makers, publishers and artists so that they can showcase their work affordably and find new audiences, alongside exhibitions that celebrate books and industry awards.

The first iteration was in 2023 at Collarts.

In 2024 the team partnered with PHOTO Australia to contribute to the Photobook weekend.

The second MEL fair is scheduled for 2026 at Balam Balam Place.

Applications to exhibit/sell books are currently open.
Applications to host events, talks and workshops are currently open.

EVENTS

Saturday 21st

12 - Spread ‘Em Queer Photobooks with Queer Love Collective

1 - Narrative Possibilities in Design with Karl Haliday and Rohan Hutchinson

2-3.30: Strangers in Print - Collaborative Zine Making with Always Friends, signup here

4 - Photobook as platform with Anu Kumar and Matt Dunne

5 - Photobook of the Year Announcement with Photocollective and Tall Poppy Press

Sunday 22nd

12 - Collaborate, don’t control: working with designers with Wing Lau, Kyra Jensen and Sasha Taylor

1.15 - How to Manifesto, workshop with NOR3PLY collective, signup here

Book Market

11-5 both days

Participants in the Book Market:
14th Frame, ACB Press, Always Friends,First Edition Library, Helios Books, Imageless, Jonty Bell, M33, Mark Forbes, Melbourne Photobook Collective, Mellen Burns, Mental Vacation, Murex Studio, Nicholas Walton-Healey Ornate Gesture, Our Stories on Film, Perimeter Books, Simone Rosenbauer, Tall Poppy Press, Tomorrow Publications, Tree Paper Gallery.

Last Updated 24.10.31

ABOUT THE FAIR

When/Where

March 21 and 22, 2026

Level 4, Balam Balam Place
15 Phoenix St, Brunswick

11-5 both days

Photography by Machiko Abe for Same Page Art Book Far

What’s on

1. Book Market
11-5, Saturday and Sunday

Participants in the Book Market:
14th Frame, ACB Press, Always Friends,First Edition Library, Helios Books, Imageless, Jonty Bell, M33, Mark Forbes, Melbourne Photobook Collective, Mellen Burns, Mental Vacation, Murex Studio, Nicholas Walton-Healey Ornate Gesture, Our Stories on Film, Perimeter Books, Simone Rosenbauer, Tall Poppy Press, Tomorrow Publications, Tree Paper Gallery.

2. Australia-NZ Photobook Awards Exhibition
11-5, Saturday and Sunday

3. Australia-NZ Photobook Awards presentation
5-6, Saturday

4. Public Talks and Events

Saturday 21st
12 - Spread ‘Em Queer Photobooks with Queer Love Collective
1 - Narrative Possibilities in Design with Karl Haliday and Rohan Hutchinson
2-3.30: Workshop 1 Strangers in Print - Collaborative Zine Making with Always Friends, signup here
4 - Photobook as platform with Anu Kumar and Matt Dunne
5 - Photobook of the Year Announcement with Photocollective and Tall Poppy Press

Sunday 22nd
12 - Collaborate, don’t control: working with designers with Wing Lau, Kyra Jensen and Sasha Taylor
1.15 - How to Manifesto, workshop with NOR3PLY collective, signup here

Who

MEL is organised by:
Matt Dunne (Tall Poppy Press)
Rohan Hutchinson (ACB Press)
Angus Scott (Photo Collective)

In 2023, Matt, Rohan and Angus organised the first iteration of MEL. In 2024 they worked with PHOTO Australia on the Photobook Weekend, including the exhibition of photobooks, presentation of the Australia-NZ Photobook Awards, the book market and the public programs.

Participants in the Book Market:
14th Frame, ACB Press, Always Friends,First Edition Library, Helios Books, Imageless, Jonty Bell, M33, Mark Forbes, Melbourne Photobook Collective, Mellen Burns, Mental Vacation, Murex Studio, Nicholas Walton-Healey Ornate Gesture, Our Stories on Film, Perimeter Books, Simone Rosenbauer, Tall Poppy Press, Tomorrow Publications, Tree Paper Gallery.