DABF26 Curator's Opening Talk: Colophon

Bookings open 20 October alongside wider DABF26 programme announcement.

The colophon is the part of a book – usually at the very start or the very end – where the conditions of publication are clarified. DABF26: Colophon examines the relationships, structures, and processes of the collective and collaborative dimensions of the publishing process, and acknowledges the many forms of labour and creativity that surround and enrich the practice of writing. The curator's programme will focus on alternative and experimental approaches to publishing, celebrating the often-overlooked creative processes and relationships that make publications possible. Nathan O'Donnell will discuss his event programme and give insight into the selection of books he has nominated alongside his invited readers.

DABF opens to the public at 6pm and attendees of the Curator's Opening Talk are welcome to stay and be the first tor browse the books for sale.

Nathan O’Donnell is a writer, curator, and co-editor of PVA (Journal + Books). His work has been published widely in literary and contemporary art contexts and he has received artist's commissions for performances, publications, and public art projects, by Dublin City Arts Office, the Arts Council, IMMA, Ormston House, and South Dublin County Council. He has an ongoing collaborative practice with Clare Bell, making use of participatory and collective processes to produce publications and projects; recent collaborative publications include State, in Relation, coedited with Sonya Gildea (2025) and Book of Invasions (Ormston House, 2021). He was writer-in-residence, Maynooth University 2021– 22; and Samuel Beckett Creative Fellow, Trinity College Dublin, 2023.

Event location: This event takes place in a ground-floor, street-facing Gallery. This is standing event, seating available on request. The space contains tables of various heights displaying books. There may be limited movement for some. For further accessibility information please contact Learning + Public Engagement Curator Órla Goodwin

Dublin Art Book Fair (3–13 December 2026) 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 programme of book launches, publishers talks, and workshops, offering ways to engage and gain insight into contemporary independent and arts publishing.

Dublin Art Book Fair 2026 is generously sponsored by our longstanding partner Henry J Lyons and supported by Dublin UNESCO City of Literature.