Focal Point, Sharjah Art Foundation’s art book fair, to feature engaging program

The sixth edition of Focal Point, Sharjah Art Foundation’s annual art book fair showcasing a selection of printed material by more than 100 participants, takes place from November 24-26, 2023, at Bait Obaid Al Shamsi, a heritage house in Sharjah’s historical district.

Featuring artists’ presses, bookmakers, self-publishers and non-commercial cultural producers, this year’s edition encourages the community to engage with independent publishing and the central role of books as tools for social mobilization and the development of a free and just world.

Focal Point will also feature workshops on reading, libraries, and zine making as well as activities exploring resources on Palestine and the significance of global liberation struggles.

Some of the highlights include the release of new books published by the Foundation, Risograph live print station in partnership with Fikra Design Studio and a selection of graphic novels and manga curated by the UAE book retailer Kinokuniya.

During the fair, the Foundation will announce the recipients of the 2023 Publishing Grant, together with the launch of winning publications and research projects from the previous year’s grant cycle. For this year’s grant, a total of $30,000, including publishing and distribution support will be awarded to multiple grantees.

Inaugurated in 2018, Focal Point places a special focus on UAE-based publishers and functions as a critical space for knowledge sharing and community building.

The sixth edition of Focal Point consists of three main sections; ‘International’ featuring works from art and independent publishers in the international art community; ‘Edit’ featuring curated publications and special interest books not distributed by local retailers; and ‘Local’ featuring publications from within the UAE’s arts community.

In the International Section, art and independent publishers from around the world showcase and distribute their books within the global publishing community.

In the Edit Section, Focal Point presents a curated selection of art journals, magazines, comics, and special interest books not distributed by local retailers and bookstores.

The Local Section spotlights books made by the UAE arts community—cultural institutions, galleries, publishers, and non-profit government cultural entities — as well as printed matter, illustrations, zines, comics, photography, stationery and screenprints produced by independent artists and booths by local retailers.