ICP Photobook Fest 2026
Save the Date for Photobook Fest 2026: May 8-10, 2026
ICP's Photobook Fest is back May 8-10, 2026 for a weekend of celebrating the best in photobook publishing from around the world.
The three-day building wide event will welcome publishers and photo-based vendors to sell their latest photobooks alongside a robust weekend of programming that will include conversations centered on publishing, book signings, workshops and so much more!
Interested in participating in Photobook Fest 2026 as a publisher or exhibitor? Sign-up here to receive information when the applications are released on December 15, 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ICP’s Photobook Fest?
The ICP Photobook Fest presents leading photobook publishers, independent and small presses, artist book makers, and photographers showcasing and celebrating their latest image-based books. The three day event also hosts in-person book signings, conversations, workshops and more, spanning the entire building at the International Center of Photography located on the Lower East Side in New York City.
How do I apply to participate as a publisher in the ICP Photobook Fest?
The publisher application for the 2026 Photobook Fest will open on 15 December. Sign-up here to receive information when the applications are released on December 15, 2025. Please apply using the email address you wish to use for primary Photobook Fest communication.
Do you offer financial support to publishers that are participating at the ICP Photobook Fest?
Publishers seeking financial support can apply for a discounted table based on eligibility.
Publisher eligible for a discount must qualify under these guidelines:
- Publisher cannot be distributed through a major publisher.
- Publisher must have less than 6 employees.
- Publisher releases less than 10 books a year.
- Must answer the prompt: Tell us about a recent photobook or zine you produced that had a social impact focus.
Do publishers have to staff their own table for the entire weekend?
Publishers are responsible for facilitating their own sales and staffing their own table through the event. ICP is not able to provide staffing support in any capacity. Publishers accepted into the fair are required to participate for the full three days.
Do you accept proposals for project space installations or physical activations during the weekend?
ICP will be accepting proposals for on-site installations, project spaces, reading rooms, and physical activations. All projects submitted will be organized and facilitated by submitting partner.
Applications for publishers, programming, and project spaces will open in 2026.
If I don’t get accepted to the 2026 Photobook Fest, is there a waitlist or other ways to be involved?
Often ICP receives more applications than tables available. There will be a waitlist for publishers who were rejected based on capacity. If a table becomes available prior to the event, the publisher next on the waitlist will be contacted.
I am an alumni, student, or faculty at ICP, are there opportunities for me to sell my photobooks at Photobook Fest?
ICP’s Community table will offer a chance for ICP alumni, faculty, staff, and students to participate in Photobook Fest. More details about opportunities will be available closer to the event. For alumni, please reach out to [email protected] to make sure your contact information is up to date.
How do I learn about media and marketing partnerships for Photobook Fest?
There are several opportunities to partner with ICP in support of Photobook Fest! For information on media partnerships or in-kind donations towards Photobook Fest, please contact Asher Selle ([email protected]).
Who is eligible to apply to participate in the ICP Photobook Fest?
To be eligible for a publisher table:
- You must publish, sell and/or distribute photo-based books or artists’ books.
- All items must be available for sale. (You may include some free items such as stickers, bookmarks, posters, etc)
- Majority of inventory brought to Photobook Fest must be photobooks, photo based zines, and magazines.
What is the fee structure to reserve a table at the ICP Photobook Fest?
More information on Photobook Fest table pricing will be available on December 15.
What makes a good application for financial support to the PBF?
Publishers who meet all the eligibility criteria and who fully fill out both applications will be given priority for financial support.
Do you accept proposals for programming during the weekend?
ICP will be accepting proposals for programming during Photobook Fest.
This year we will accept proposals for panel conversations, lectures, screenings, readings, performances, hour long workshops, or activities to be organized and facilitated by submitting partners.
Applications for programming and project spaces will open at a later date.
If I am a publisher, can I schedule a book signing at my table?
Publishers are encouraged to schedule book signings and photographer/author appearances at their table throughout the weekend. Once accepted, there will be a form to submit information about your scheduled book signings for inclusion on the Photobook Fest website and schedule.
Are there opportunities to work or volunteer for Photobook Fest?
There are currently no opportunities to volunteer to help at Photobook Fest. Please check back closer to the event.
How do I learn about partnership, scholarships, or contributing in-kind donations towards Photobook Fest?
There are several opportunities to partner with ICP in support of Photobook Fest! For information on partnerships, scholarships, or in-kind donations towards Photobook Fest, please contact Chloé Jolly ([email protected]).
