MCBA
History
As the largest and most comprehensive center of its kind in the nation, Minnesota Center for Book Arts (MCBA) celebrates the book as a vibrant contemporary art form that takes many shapes. From the traditional crafts of papermaking, letterpress printing and bookbinding to experimental artmaking and self-publishing techniques, MCBA supports the limitless creative evolution of book arts.
MCBA was established in 1983.
Two years later it moved to 24 North Third Street on
the first floor of the McKesson building in the warehouse
district of Minneapolis. After more than two years of
research and planning, the Spring of 2000 saw Minnesota
Center for Book Arts, The Loft Literary Center and Milkweed
Editions become the principal tenants in the Open Book
Building at 1011 South Washington Avenue in Minneapolis.
The building creates a lively destination for a diverse
public interested in books, book arts and literary endeavors
of all kinds.
The soul of MCBA is the studio spaces where you find masters and novices working
at letterpress printing, hand bookbinding and papermaking. In addition to the
studios, there is an exhibition space, a studio shop, an archive and reference
library, and offices. Visitors are welcome to observe the book art activity
close-up. MCBA serves artists, students, teachers, designers, writers, families,
youth, and book lovers through a variety of participatory programs. More than
20 years after opening its doors, MCBA is the most comprehensive independent
book arts center in the nation.
Mission
The mission of Minnesota Center for Book Arts is to engage diverse artists and learners in finding creativity, expression, and inspiration through the book arts.
Artistic Vision
The artistic vision of Minnesota Center for Book Arts is to preserve the traditional crafts of bookmaking, advance the book as a vital contemporary art form, and interpret the book in its aesthetic, historic, and cultural contexts.
