“The More You Know, the Better You Act”
We invite you to the 10th edition of the Warsaw Independent Book Fair 2026, taking place in Warsaw on September 5–6, 2026.

We live in a time when a person’s value is measured by productivity, and creative work has become just another commodity in the ongoing commercialization of the world. The internet, once imagined as a potential space of freedom, has in reality become an alienating advertising platform. In a situation where one crisis follows another, it is easy to fall into the trap of seeking escape in the alternative worlds offered to us by algorithms. In the end, however, this does not lead to solutions, but rather to overwhelm and a sense of helplessness.

Constant escape will not help us. The answer lies in the space we are in. In this context, occupying space and being present become acts of resistance. For us, culture and art are not decorations of reality, but tools for changing it. They do not ask for permission or wait for approval; they enter public space and raise important questions. They often amplify the voices of those who have been silenced, marginalized, or deemed inconvenient—people whose stories have been left out of the mainstream narrative. We believe this is one of the most honest ways of being present in the world.

We also believe that knowledge is political and, together with art, serves as a tool of resistance. We want to learn together how to question what seems obvious: who gets to speak, whose knowledge is recognized, and whose experiences count as sources of understanding. The space we want to create is not divided between those who know and those who listen. We want to act through collective creation and shared experience.

That is why we invite You to the special, anniversary 10th edition of the Warsaw Independent Book Fair, taking place on September 5–6 at A.D.A. Puławska in Warsaw.

If you create, organize, print, translate, educate, research, or explore, you will surely find a place at the Warsaw Independent Book Fair. The true strength of culture lies in cooperation rather than competition for reach, likes, and personal branding. We welcome not only exhibitors, but also anyone interested in organizing a workshop, lecture, or discussion. Through the fair, we want to create a space for the equal exchange of knowledge, especially for people who experience exclusion. The fair is a place for sharing experiences, learning from one another, respectfully discussing alternatives, and critically examining contemporary reality.

We especially encourage publishers, collectives, and individuals who value authenticity and courage. Imperfection and chaos are simply proof of our existence; they do not require excessive correction or regulation. We are not interested in creating boundaries, but in crossing them. If you are not afraid of being unproductive, irrational, or “useless” because you know that this is where something genuine begins, come join us.

The event will be accompanied by meetings (also online), which will address issues that currently concern independent publishers and grassroots initiatives that fit the idea of the Warsaw Independent Bookfair. It will be a space to share our experiences, learn from each other, respectfully discuss alternatives, and take a critical look at contemporary reality.

The previous bookfair was attended by publishers, collectives, and individuals from a variety of backgrounds, both from Poland and abroad. The event also attracted a large number of book lovers, and we hope that this year will be similar.

We will not be able to cover the travel expenses of the exhibitors, however there will be no stand fee. If you want to come and the only thing holding you back is money, please write to us and we will try to work something out. The bookfair is free for visitors.

We have a limited number of stands, so please apply early. Send your application to warsawbookfair@riseup.net by 1 August 2026. You can also send any cooperation proposals, questions or comments about the event to the same email address.

We are looking forward to hearing from you!
The collective of the Warsaw Independent Bookfair

Warsaw Independent Bookfair
warsawbookfair@riseup.net
https://warsawbookfair.noblogs.org/
https://radar.squat.net/en/warsawbookfair