Passion for paper drives A4 Paper Festival

One woman’s love for the printed page leads to launch of Sydney A4 Paper Festival in April.

Paper and printing run in Lisa Loxley’s veins: indeed, she comes from a long line of four generations of printers. Inspired by events and exhibitions in both the US and Europe, Loxley decided it was time for an Australian festival that showed off paper’s practical and creative sides.

“Paper has been overlooked in recent years but … it has slowly climbed the cool ladder, reminding us that all you really need is a simple piece of paper and a little creativity,” she said. “This humble medium has developed into a powerful tool of stylish expression and functionality around the world.”

Plans are still underway for a date and venue for the event, though it is likely to run for a few days in April. Already, it has attracted the interest of K.W. Doggett Fine Paper, which is currently in sponsorship negotiations.

According to national marketing and promotions manager, Nevi Laketa, the event will be important not just to connect with a wide range of paper users, but also to showcase some of its Arjo Fine Paper products, which it became the exclusive Australian distributor for late last year.

“We see this as our link to the creative side of the industry: paper is not all about print, there’s other means as well and we like to align ourselves with this side of the industry,” she said.

"This seems like a great opportunity, and also something that's a bit different."

Loxley (pictured) added that she is also in discussion with Fairfax Media to create a large-scale newspaper installation. “While online mediums are phenomenal and needed, people still want the tactile – things they can hold in their hands,” she said.

For more information, visit www.paperconvention.com