DABF25 Talk | NIVAL, Collective Artist Books

The artist book considers space, content, and context. How do collectives use and interrogate the space of the artist book? How can multiple authors come together and collaborate on a work with a different approach to hierarchy? Join Ruth Hallinan to explore the artist book collection of the National Irish Visual Arts Library (NIVAL) in terms of collective and collaborative artist books.

The National Irish Visual Arts Library (NIVAL) is an initiative of NCAD in partnership with the Arts Council of Ireland. Since 1997, NIVAL has become the foremost centre for the documentation of contemporary art and design in Ireland and holds arguably the largest public-access artist book collection in Ireland. Assistant Manager, Ruth Hallinan, has spent fifteen years working in Irish publishing. She was named as one of the 150 most influential people in publishing by The Bookseller in 2021 and 2022.

Event location Information: This event will take place on the first floor accessible via lift and stairs. Seating will be theatre style. For further accessibility information please contact Learning + Public Engagement Curator Órla Goodwin on +353 (0)1 671 0073 or orla@templebargallery.com.

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Dublin Art Book Fair (4–14 December 2025) is a centre for contemporary artist books offering a wide selection of artist publications and titles from creative, small and independent publishers, both Irish or international, to browse or buy. In conjunction with the Fair, DABF presents an event programme of book launches, publishers talks, and workshops offering ways to engage and gain insight into contemporary independent and arts publishing.

Temple Bar Gallery + Studios produces Dublin Art Book Fair annually as a platform for artist books and independent publishers with an expansive events programme. TBG+S is an artists’ studio complex and contemporary art gallery in Dublin City Centre. Troughout the year, the Gallery presents five exhibitions annually of newly commissioned work by Irish and international artists supported by a programme of free talks, tours, screenings, and workshops.

DABF25 is proudly sponsored by Henry J Lyons and supported by Dublin UNESCO City of Literature and RTÉ Supporting The Arts.