Month 11
Exhibition book or catalog: value and production in 2026
9 min readBy Dorian Verdier
In 30 seconds
3 formats: simple catalog (20-40 pages, $1,200-3,500), substantial (60-120 pages, $4,000-12,000), monograph (150-300 pages, $12,000-50,000). Print run 200-1,000 copies. Distribution: exhibition, specialized bookstores, BAnQ. Lasting institutional marker for journalists and collectors.
Format 1: simple catalog (20-40 pages)
- 12 to 25 HD reproductions, statement text, artist CV
- Budget: $1,200 to $3,500
- Relevant for emerging artists and first solo shows
Format 2: substantial catalog (60-120 pages)
- Critical texts, 30 to 60 reproductions, developed biography
- Budget: $4,000 to $12,000
- Relevant for intermediate artists (7-15 years)
Format 3: monograph (150-300 pages)
- 3 to 5 authors, 80 to 200 reproductions, complete retrospective
- Budget: $12,000 to $50,000
- Relevant for established artists (15+ years)
6-step production process
- Step 1 (months 1-2): design and funding
- Step 2 (months 3-6): writing and iconography
- Step 3 (months 6-9): professional graphic design ($3,000-12,000)
- Step 4 (months 9-10): proof approval
- Step 5 (months 10-12): printing (run 200-1,000 copies)
- Step 6: distribution — opening, bookstores (Olivieri, Le Port de tête), BAnQ deposit
Funding sources
- CALQ publishing aid: $4,000 to $25,000
- Canada Council — publishing programs
- Partner galleries (loriginal: $1,500 to $5,000)
- Private patrons and self-funding
- Public sale price: $25 to $65 depending on format
The 3 catalog mistakes
- Mistake 1: under-funding — ordinary paper and low-end printing = amateur result
- Mistake 2: neglecting professional design — amateur layout immediately visible
- Mistake 3: forgetting active distribution — undistributed catalog = wasted investment
FAQ
How long to produce?
10-14 months for substantial catalog. More for monograph.
Do you need an ISBN?
Yes, free via BAnQ. Required for bookstore and national deposit.
Digital versions?
Recommended. Free PDF alongside paid print.