S'pore art books fair removes S$150 portable briefcase exhibitor option after 'hotdog vendor' comparisons

The Singapore Art Book Fair (SGABF) has stopped offering the "Walking Exhibitor" option for vendors after the proposal got slammed online.

The concept involved a person holding a portable briefcase in front of the torso — held up by straps slung over the shoulders — parading items while walking the exhibition grounds.

Critics said it is similar to a "hotdog vendor".

Others labelled it demeaning to artists.

so singapore art book fair is doing an open call for walking exhibitors like คนขายหวย bro are we fr pic.twitter.com/VvATALGMYF

— Jaykchr (@jaykchr) April 6, 2026

The concept got pulled within three days.

Introduced for three days

First introduced on Apr. 6, the option, which cost S$150, allowed exhibitors to display their crafts and not rely on a booth table.

The fair will take place from Aug. 28 to 30 at T:>Works located at Mohamed Sultan Road.

The organiser said it aimed to make the fair "less of a marketplace and more a field of encounter" this year.

Publicly responded to criticisms

The SGABF organiser publicly responded on social media on Apr. 9 saying it would “take some time to workshop through the mechanics of the fair” in the wake of the feedback.

It wrote: "We hear your concerns. The briefcase was originally chosen because we appreciated its technology, but we understand now that it was inappropriate."

"The original intent of the Walking Exhibitors was to imagine a mobile exhibitor that has the flexibility to choose where and when to sell their books. They can take breaks and hang out with other exhibitors," the statement added.

The organiser also said the concept was not intended to "come at the expense of new and emerging artists".

The smaller exhibition concept was also explained.

SGABF 2026 will be “one-third the size” of 2025's edition with fewer exhibitors and visitors, and held at a more compact venue, the organiser added.

The fair will try out new formats "at a more manageable scale", it was added.

The annual event that features art books and zines was founded in 2013.

Pros and cons

Those who criticised the portable exhibitor concept pointed out that it is a physically taxing option with limitations, given that exhibitors would have to walk around for hours.

An alternative, such as sharing booths, should make more practical sense, it was suggested.

Others, who were more supportive, said the exhibition is run by passionate individuals who are trying new ways to make ideas work on the ground.

Top photos via Singapore Art Book Fair