2024 Applicant FAQs

Dense Magazine and is pleased to present the second annual Jersey Art Book Fair, a two-day event that celebrates the broad art form of bookmaking. Set in the state where the offset press was first invented, Jersey Art Book Fair – or JAB Fair for short – believes that print is alive and well, thanks to a movement of artists, writers, designers, publishers, small presses and printers that continues to thrive: from bookbinding, screen printing, paper making and letterpress printing, to zine making, broadsheets, graphic novels and pop-up books.

For two days, Jersey Art Book Fair will host over 70 exhibitors and dozens of programs that span the full breadth of the art publishing community. JAB Fair is committed to expanding this community by removing barriers to access and elevating underrepresented voices. We strive to draw a wide range of exhibitors and individuals, including students, artists, collectors, and book lovers. Examples of priority audiences include BIPOC, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ people, immigrants, underserved geographic and knowledge areas, and non-native English speakers.

Co-shape the JAB Fair Experience

With the first year under our belts, we're on the road to co-shaping a vision of what an art book fair can be. Our goal is to showcase our exhibitors at their best, no matter what size exhibitor space. In addition to amazing exhibitors and events (hosted by you, we hope!), we have incredible programs lining up, making our second edition a must-go.

Connect with each other

JAB Fair is setting the bar high for community engagement in Jersey City to ensure that exhibitors are well-supported throughout both days. To make JAB Fair financially accessible, we offer several options to offset exhibitor fees (see "Financial Assistance Info" below for more details).

Enjoy new audiences

As one of America's most diverse populations in the country, New Jersey is also becoming one of the most important markets for the arts. JAB Fair is a perfect opportunity for rising and established publishers to discover new audiences and explore new talent.

JAB Fair is currently accepting applications for three Open Calls for 2024 – Exhibitors, Program Hosts and Artists. Each Call has its own eligibility requirements, please review below:

To be eligible to apply as an Exhibitor:

1. You must publish, sell, and/or distribute artists’ and designers' books, zines, catalogs, monographs, graphic novels, comics, photo books and pamphlets, as well as various print ephemera, i.e. posters, prints, maps, broadsides and stickers.

2. Your materials must be available for sale.

3. You must have a publishing practice, whether large or small in scope. We seek demonstrated dedication to making artists' books, zine and an engaging catalog of published works. 

To be eligible to apply as a Program Host:

1. You must prioritize the process of making books, zines, prints, etc.

2. You must have experience developing, planning and producing an event that engages audiences in unique ways.

3. While JAB Fair is able to provide basic equipment such as a projector, screen, tables and chairs, you must come equipped with your own materials and any specialized equipment to produce your event. While JAB Fair staff are available for general attendee needs, you must bring your own assistants to help put on your event.

To be eligible to apply as an Artist:

• You are at least 18 years of age

• You ave backgrounds in the arts, media, design, journalism, humanities, sciences, memory work and cultural practice

• You currently live, work or study within 100 miles of Jersey City, NJ

• You have not had a solo exhibition in Jersey City within the last two years

• You do not have current, consistent commercial gallery representation in the US

• You have maintained a consistent studio practice outside of an academic setting for at least one year

People of color, LGBTQIA+ people, people with disabilities, non-English speaking people and others who have been historically marginalized or oppressed are especially encouraged to apply.

There are two application deadlines:

• October 3, 11:59pm ET for Artists applicants

• October 17, 11:59pm ET for Exhibitor and Events applicants 

Notifications will be sent to the email address connected to the application at the following times:

• Early November for Artists applicants

• Late November for Exhibitors and Events

NOTE: Full payment is due January 2, 2024.

Jersey Art Book (JAB) Fair is committed to increasing representation for book artists, zine makers, small presses and publishers in all stages and experience in publishing. We recognize the importance of redistribution as a crucial step towards meaningful representation and access. We prioritize BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ and immigrant exhibitors who haven’t participated in art book fairs before, including those who have been historically excluded from similar events.

Through the generosity of sponsors, we offer the following grant opportunities (limited to one grant per applicant):

Emerging Exhibitors Grant. For exhibitors who have exhibited for less than two years, and who demonstrate need and merit (under a separate grant application), we offer a limited number of grants to fully or partially cover the cost of exhibitor space. Grant applications are separately administered and reviewed by the Fair team and an advisory panel. 

"Even Steven" Grant. For exhibitors who demonstrate experience planning for and implementing unique programs, we offer a limited number of grants to fully cover the cost of exhibitor space in exchange for a unique event within JAB Fair's program schedule.

Do you live, work or study in Jersey City? You may be eligible for a new grant opportunity, supported by public funds from the Jersey City Arts and Culture Trust Fund. Go to FAQs > Financial Assistance Info > "I'm based in Jersey City. Do I qualify for any grants?" to learn more.

Thanks to support by public funds from the Jersey City Arts and Culture Trust Fund, JAB Fair is able to offer a limited number of grants that fully cover the cost of exhibitor space, including $5 application fee. 

• To be eligible for our JAB Fair Jersey City grant opportunity, you:

• Are at least 18 years of age

• Currently live, work or study in Jersey City

• Can provide proof of your association with two (2) forms of ID

Acceptable forms of ID include:

• Current student ID (Fall 2023)

• Current letter of registration from Jersey City high school or university

• Current employee ID

• Current letter of employment from Jersey City employer

• Current utility or tax bill with Jersey City address

• Valid NJ driver's license with current Jersey City address

• Current lease (residential or commercial) with Jersey City address

Upon submitting proof of eligibility, all applicants who live, work or study in Jersey City will:

• Be reimbursed $5 application fee

• Receive a link to the JAB Fair Jersey City grant application

This community-driven non-profit event presented by Dense Magazine would not be possible without the support of our sponsors, partners, and donors. Our supporters make it possible to fuel a more equitable and resilient future of storytelling through our JAB Fair Grants and Dense Fellowship Programs. If you’re interested in learning more about how to get involved and partner with us, please write to sponsor@densemagazine.org.

Jersey Art Book Fair will be open with the following hours:

Saturday, February 3, 11:00a-6:00p, followed with after-parties and off-site events

Sunday, February 4, 11:00a-6:00p

Jersey Art Book Fair will take place at...ANNOUNCEMENT COMING SOON!

Due to the recent/ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, there may be restrictions on the JAB Fair to ensure the safety of everyone attending. All procedures are subject to change and will adhere to the requirements set forth by the CDC and our selected venue at the time of the event.

• Tickets for this event may be timed so that we can limit the number of attendees at any one time.

• Terms for participation will be enforced via exhibitor/ticket/volunteer agreements, including but not limited to the use of face masks, hand sanitizer and taking temperatures.

• Masks and hand sanitizer will be on site throughout the venue for all to use. We will also ensure that windows are open to bring in fresh air.