The distinction between “artist book” and “zine” is partially one of attitude or orientation, as you will find one or the other item no matter what the title of the fair indicates.
The Zine Camp in Rotterdam is a yearly event held at the collaborative exhibition/workshop space WORM, which generally sees a younger crew or those with a more alternative bent, as evidenced by a “zine therapy” booth where you could have your “issues” analyzed and then be prescribed a specific zine for your particular problem/ailment.
This is not to say, once again, that there aren’t larger, hardcover books available or that so-called established publishers aren’t present, but the over-all vibe is zine-oriented, in addition to the Zine Camp being a more manageable, less overwhelming size then either of the two book fairs previously documented (Miss Read and Vienna Art Book Fair).
For instance:
Sarmad Magazine has a humble business card but an extensive catalog, as well as a fiction writing club and sponsoring various events. Check it out.
Another example of the difference between the BIG artist book fairs and Zine Camp is that more collectives rather than individual initiatives were present, such as Habitat from Italy.
Bored Wolves is based in Kraków and the Polish Highlands, and also has an extensive catalog as well as announcing upcoming titles. Started as a platform for self-publishing poetry it now publishes the work of other international poets.
And finally, another collective, but Not Just a Collective who distributed the excellent Read My Panties zine, which not only contains a well curated theme but a handsome format. Solicitations for the next issue were also distributed at Zine Camp (see below).
