Investigating existing and new models of distribution in Canadian art book publishing

Art publishing is a collection of niche industries which face unique challenges compared to traditional trade publishing. Distribution for art publications is a persisting problem in the Canadian market; few art publishers are distributed within trade channels, leaving independent publishers, artist-run centres, small art presses and artist books to manage their own dissemination with limited resources. With Information Office, an independent design studio-turned-art book publisher as a primary case study, research into existing artist-led publisher funding, distribution, and marketing models are investigated and applied to the formation of this new enterprise. The results reveal ways in which similar models can engage with alternative modes of circulation such as alternative retailers and art book fairs, as well as creative marketing efforts, in order to build brand assets, network with the international community, and disseminate art publications to readers.