Artists’ books defy easy categorisation — they are artworks that can be read, books that can be sculpted, and objects that invite us to delve deeper. But how do cultural institutions collect, preserve, and share these often fragile, deeply personal creations? And how do artists imagine the future of their books — tucked in archival boxes, displayed under glass, or opened and explored by curious hands?
In this panel discussion, leading voices from the State Library of NSW and the Art Gallery of NSW and the art world come together to unpack the complex, inspiring world of artists’ books. Together, they’ll explore the histories behind their institutions’ collections, from rare works to contemporary experiments, and reflect on the practical and philosophical challenges of caring for such unorthodox works of art.
What inspires an artist to choose the book as a form? How do institutions decide what to collect? And who are the artists in Australia today pushing this format into bold, new territory? Discover how artists’ books continue to captivate curators, readers and makers alike.
After the talk, join the team for a tour of Paper Universe: The Book as Art.
