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.

GET INVOLVED

Participate in the book market

All artists, publishers and book stores that want to participate in the book fair have until 15th of January to apply.

Apply by completing this form by January 15th, 2026.

Tables costs are:
$50 for a half table
$100 for a full table
$125 for a large table
$15 extra for wall space behind

Host an event

Anyone is welcome to propose an event for the festival.

An event could be a book launch, a talk, a panel, a signing or a workshop. Even a pop up portrait studio or demonstration.

We have one dedicated room for events and supportive event partners to help us make something work.

We welcome all proposals through this form by January 15, 2026.

Submit to the Australia-NZ Photobook Awards

This award is hosted by Photo Collective and Tall Poppy Press.

Please read more and submit here.

The awards recipients will be announced on the night, and the shortlisted books will be exhibited over the weekend.

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

Apply to participate here.

What’s on

1. Book Market
11-5, Saturday and Sunday

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

3. Australia-NZ Photobook Awards presentation
6-8, Saturday

4. A program of public talks and events

All public events will be announced on February 15th, 2026. At that time the schedule will be published 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 will be shared here on February 15th.