Bologna, Italy is set to host the inaugural Photobook Mania, a new biennial event dedicated to independent photographic publishing. Organized by PhMuseum, the event will take place on October 18-19, 2025, at Serra Madre within the historic Serre dei Giardini Margherita. This free-admission festival aims to establish itself as a significant international platform for photobook enthusiasts, bringing together more than twenty publishers from around the world to present a wide array of publications.
The biennial will showcase the latest trends and experimental approaches in the photobook sector. Photobook Mania is a new addition to PhMuseum’s event calendar, designed to alternate with the PhMuseum Days festival. The festival itself has also transitioned to a biennial format, with its next edition scheduled for autumn 2026. This strategic shift reinforces PhMuseum's dedication to promoting all aspects of contemporary photographic culture.
Key Takeaways
- Photobook Mania, a new biennial, debuts in Bologna on October 18-19, 2025.
- The event is free to attend and will feature over twenty international publishers.
- More than forty talks, workshops, and two major exhibitions are planned.
- The PhMuseum 2025 Photobook Award winner will be announced.
- PhMuseum will launch its first print magazine issue.
International Gathering for Photographic Publishing
Photobook Mania will serve as a global hub for those interested in photographic books. Publishers from various countries will display their collections, offering attendees a unique opportunity to explore diverse editorial works.
The event’s program extends beyond publisher showcases. It includes a comprehensive schedule of more than forty talks. These sessions will feature artists, curators, and other industry experts. Attendees can also participate in thematic workshops designed to deepen their understanding of photobook creation and appreciation.
Event Details
- Dates: October 18-19, 2025
- Location: Serra Madre, Serre dei Giardini Margherita, Bologna, Italy
- Admission: Free
- Publishers: Over 20 international participants
- Program: Talks, workshops, exhibitions
Exhibitions Highlight Creative Processes
Two main exhibitions will be central to Photobook Mania. The first, titled Dummies and Books from FOLIO 2024/25 Photobook Making Masterclass, will present photobook prototypes. These prototypes were developed during the fifth edition of a masterclass focused on producing book dummies.
Over an eight-month period, fourteen participants worked under the guidance of Lewis Chaplin. Chaplin is the co-founder of Loose Joints, a notable publishing house. Their collective efforts led to the completion of projects ready for potential publication. This exhibition offers a detailed look into the journey of transforming photographic images into cohesive and engaging stories within a physical book format. It highlights the creative possibilities of editorial storytelling.
"The exhibition offers an in-depth look at the process of transforming photographic images into coherent and engaging narratives within the physical format of the book, exploring the creative potential of editorial storytelling."
Recognizing Excellence: The PhMuseum 2025 Photobook Award
The second exhibition at Photobook Mania is dedicated to the PhMuseum 2025 Photobook Award. This award was launched in partnership with MPB, Europe's leading camera retailer. The exhibition will feature thirty photobook projects. These projects were submitted through the first open call for PhMuseum's new grant, which supports visual publishing initiatives.
A distinguished jury will evaluate the submitted works. The jury includes renowned photographers and curators: Max Pinckers, Yumi Goto, Karla Hiraldo-Voleau, Giuseppe Oliverio, and Camilla Marrese. This panel will select the winning project.
PhMuseum's Broader Vision
PhMuseum is an international platform dedicated to contemporary photography. It offers various opportunities for photographers, including grants, educational programs, and a curated online community. By organizing events like Photobook Mania and PhMuseum Days, PhMuseum aims to foster a vibrant ecosystem for photographic talent and publishing worldwide. The new biennial structure for both events allows for a more focused and impactful presentation of contemporary photographic work and discourse.
Award Announcement and Publication
The winner of the PhMuseum 2025 Photobook Award will be announced by PhMuseum and MPB on Saturday, October 18, at 6:30 PM. This announcement is a key moment for the event.
Thanks to MPB's support, the winning project will be published as a photobook. PhMuseum will curate and produce this book. Its official presentation will take place during PhMuseum Days 2026, the International Photography Festival scheduled for October 2026. This ensures significant exposure for the winning artist.
New Magazine Launch and Workshops
Earlier on Saturday, at 6 PM, PhMuseum will also unveil the first issue of its new print magazine. This launch is part of a rich program of book launches and presentations involving various authors. This new magazine adds another dimension to PhMuseum's commitment to photographic publishing.
In addition to exhibitions and talks, Photobook Mania will offer educational opportunities. One such event is the Dummy Deep Dive. This intensive workshop will be led by American photographer and writer Aaron Schuman. The workshop is designed for photographers and artists who want to develop their projects into a book format. It provides practical guidance on the intricate process of photobook creation.
Key Program Highlights
- October 18, 6:00 PM: Launch of PhMuseum's new print magazine.
- October 18, 6:30 PM: Announcement of PhMuseum 2025 Photobook Award winner.
- Dummy Deep Dive: Intensive workshop with Aaron Schuman.
Supporting Partners and Attending Publishers
The event is made possible through the support of several key partners. The Municipality of Bologna has contributed to the initiative. MPB is a crucial sponsor, particularly for the Photobook Award. Banca di Bologna is collaborating with PhMuseum, and the cultural partnership with Patto per la lettura del Comune di Bologna (Bologna Municipality Reading Pact) and Card Cultura further strengthens the event's foundation.
Over twenty-two publishers from across the globe are confirmed to attend, showcasing the truly international scope of Photobook Mania. These publishers represent a diverse range of approaches to photographic bookmaking, from established houses to experimental imprints. Their participation underscores the event's role as a vital meeting point for the independent publishing community.
Confirmed Publishers List
- Artphilein Books (Switzerland)
- Atelier Tatanka (Italy)
- Cesura Publish (Italy)
- Départ pour l’Image (Italy/France)
- FotoEvidence (USA)
- Giostre Edizioni (Italy)
- GOST Books (United Kingdom)
- Havaiana Papers + Tiratura (Brazil/Italy)
- KABK (Netherlands)
- L’Artiere (Italy)
- Leporello (Italy)
- Libreria Ulisse (Italy)
- Macaronibook (Belgium)
- Muddyisland (Italy)
- PhMuseum (Italy)
- RUST Publishing (Poland)
- RVM Hub (Italy)
- Studiofaganel (Italy)
- The Velvet Cell (Germany)
- Witty Books (Italy)
- Yogurt Magazine (Italy)
- Zoetrope Athens (Greece)
This extensive list highlights the event's ability to attract significant players in the independent photobook world. Attendees will have direct access to these publishers, fostering networking and discovery. The presence of international publishers ensures a wide representation of global photographic trends and styles. This makes Photobook Mania an essential event for anyone involved in or interested in the art of the photobook.