Book Arts Certificate

Book Arts Certificate

Minnesota Center for Book Arts plays a leading role in training and supporting the next generation of book artists.

MCBA offers two Certificate programs of study, to recognize dedicated individuals who complete a significant number of workshops in book arts and demonstrate knowledge and experience across book arts disciplines.

The Core Certificate in Book Arts is designed to recognize the work of individuals who build skills and knowledge in fundamental book arts processes, as well as an in-depth understanding in one or more areas or techniques. Enrollees must complete a uniform Core Curriculum, as well as a number of elective workshops within defined categories.

After earning the Core Certificate, individuals may choose to pursue an Advanced Certificate in Book Arts. The Advanced Certificate is designed to recognize and support the work of individuals who engage in advanced-level workshops, independent projects, and professional practices in one or more areas of book arts.

Benefits of Participating

MCBA Core and Advanced Certificates recognize proficiency in book arts practices and earn individuals the following benefits:

  • Individuals enrolled in the certificate program will receive a 20% discount on workshop tuition.* This discount remains in place throughout participation in the program as long as enrollees maintain active MCBA membership (which accounts for 10% of the discount). 
  • Opportunity to connect with other artists and makers in MCBA’s community through workshops and events
  • Core and Advanced Book Arts Certificate graduates are acknowledged in MCBA’s e-newsletter and receive letterpress printed certificates to honor their achievement.
  • Core Book Arts Certificate graduates continue to receive a 20% discount on tuition as long as they maintain active MCBA membership.
  • Advanced Book Arts Certificate graduates are invited to participate in MCBA’s Artist Collective at a temporarily reduced rate.

*Those registering for workshops with a scholarship are not eligible to receive the 20% discount on workshop tuition in addition to the scholarship.

Application Process

To enroll in the Core Certificate in Book Arts, individuals must have taken 25 hours of MCBA workshops (virtual and/or in person) and they must be active members of MCBA. Individuals who meet the above criteria may complete and submit a Certificate Enrollment form to MCBA’s Workshop Coordinator. Within 23 weeks, MCBA staff will verify enrollment and share next steps for workshop registration (using the 20% discount) and tracking participation on the Core Certificate Tracking form

Graduates of the Core Certificate in Book Arts are automatically enrolled in the Advanced Certificate in Book Arts.

Tracking Participation and Graduation

Individuals are expected to track their own progress toward their certificate using the Core Certificate Tracking form and/or the Advanced Certificate Tracking form. Credit hours and categories are listed with workshop descriptions for current workshops and both virtual and in-person workshops are eligible. Once an individual has completed the required workshop hours for a certificate, they may submit their tracking form to MCBA’s Workshop Coordinator

Workshops taken toward these certificates must be completed over the span of no more than five years. New enrollees can receive up to 25 hours of retroactive credit for workshops taken no more than five years prior to the date of their certificate application. For support in determining past workshop participation and other questions about the Book Arts Certificate program that are not addressed here, please contact MCBA’s Workshop Coordinator.

Graduates will be recognized for their achievement with a letterpress printed certificate after their tracking form has been reviewed by staff (please allow one month for this process). Graduates are acknowledged publicly each fall in an e-newsletter featuring certificate graduates and their work.

Forms

Certificate Enrollment form
Download (PDF format)

Core Certificate Tracking form
Download (PDF format)

Advanced Certificate Tracking form
Download (PDF format)

If you have any trouble with the downloadable forms, or need hard copies mailed to you, please contact MCBA’s Workshop Coordinator.

Core Certificate graduates

Advanced Certificate graduates

Curriculum: MCBA Core Certificate in Book Arts

Curriculum: MCBA Advanced Certificate in Book Arts