About this Event
Winding our way from pasts to possibilities, this workshop explores how stories are shared and told to understand identity, the world and the future. Expanding on Rebecca Solnit’s Hope in the Dark, Mel Galley introduces a lively cluster of writers and researchers working across queerness, ecologies and speculative thinking. Getting stuck in with hands on zine-making and bookbinding, participants consider how these material containers can act as important methods to bring together and distribute stories, giving each of us agency in the means of their production. Galley demonstrates a range of folded and string bound zine and book-making techniques in a friendly space, where everyone is welcome. The workshop is open to those with no knowledge of zine-making or bookbinding and participants who want to expand their existing knowledge.
Weaving together research, making, teaching and writing, Mel Galley’s artistic practice is constellation-shaped. She builds from research on planning, housing, data, and place to create speculative worlds, using narrative and modelmaking to welcome audiences into these deeply personal debates. Often, she can be found fabricating in workshops, digging through archives, searching across databases, wandering within landscapes and book binding in the studio.
This workshop was developed as part of the Balcony Project, a queer ecologies research group led by Louis Haugh, based at Project Arts Centre.
Open to adults, no experience required (this workshop has been designed to suit both those completely new to bookbinding and zine-making, as well as participants who want to expand their existing knowledge).
Confirmation of attendance will be requested closer to the time as this event is for a small group.
Event location information: This event will take place in a space accessible by lift and stairs with access to a semi accessible bathroom. Please check-in at the cash desk in Dublin Art Book Fair, where you will be directed to the event room. For further accessibility information, please contact Learning + Public Engagement Curator Órla Goodwin at [email protected] or call the office on 016710073, 11am–5pm (open Monday–Friday).
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.
DABF is annually hosted and produced by Temple Bar Gallery + Studios, an artists’ studio complex and contemporary art gallery in Dublin City Centre. The Gallery presents five exhibitions annually of newly commissioned work by Irish and international artists. This is supported by a programme of free talks, tours, screenings and workshops.
Dublin Art Book Fair 2026 is generously sponsored by our longstanding partner Henry J Lyons and supported by Dublin UNESCO City of Literature.
Event venue & nearby stays
Temple Bar Gallery + Studios, 5-9 Temple Bar, Dublin, Ireland
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