Book Art Biennial 2009

Unspecified (as of this posting--will update when announced)

Book Art Biennial 2009
Mature Content-The Artist's Book as Advocate
Minnesota Center for Book Arts
Minneapolis, MN
July 23-26, 2009


The strength of an artist's book lies not only in the marriage of form and craftsmanship, but also in well-developed content.

Through a combination of presentations by leaders in the field, peer discussion sessions and hands-on workshops, Book Art Biennial participants will explore the theme Mature Content — the Artist's Book as Advocate, placing special emphasis on the
efficacy of artists' books as agents of social change and activism.

KEYNOTE ADDRESSES
For over four decades, artist and Arizona State University professor John Risseeuw's work has touched on political and social themes, including political corruption, equal rights, fascism, illegal wars and arms proliferation. In classics like Civil Defense (1983) and High Tension (1993), artist and University of Arizona professor Philip Zimmermann has explored issues relating to national security, environmental safety and social anxiety. Through compelling content and unique creative approaches, both offer distinctive perspectives on the role of art as an agent of social change.

PANELISTS
Through a variety of panels and presentations, participants will explore contemporary issues in the book arts. Panelists include artist and Oregon College of Art and Craft professor Inge Bruggeman; artist and University of Iowa Center for the Book professor Emily Martin; artist, designer and educator Scott McCarney; Wellesley College Special Collections Librarian Ruth Rogers; Minneapolis College of Art and Design Fine Arts Chair Karen Wirth; and other leaders in the field.

WORKSHOPS
Discover innovative practices and hone traditional skills by working with master artists including Inge Bruggeman, Daniel Essig, Scott McCarney and John Risseeuw.

THE MCBA PRIZE [link to FACFE post]
A centerpiece of the Book Art Biennial is the presentation of The MCBA Prize. This new award is the first in the United States to recognize book art from across the field and around the world. The MCBA Prize celebrates the diversity of book art and encourages discussion rather than limiting recognition to one aspect of this vital field. A distinguished panel of jurors, themselves leaders in the field, will select five finalists, with the announcement of the winning work at a gala event culminating Book Art Biennial 2009. For further details, submission guidelines and entry forms for The MCBA Prize, download the prospectus.

REGISTRATION
Registration materials for Book Art Biennial 2009 will be available on the Minnesota Center for Book Arts website beginning January 1, 2009. For questions regarding Book Art Biennial 2009 or The MCBA Prize, contact MCBA Artistic Director Jeff Rathermel at jrathermel@mnbookarts.org.

Visit the website for complete details: mnbookarts.org

Minnesota Center for Book Arts
1011 Washington Ave S, Suite 100
Minneapolis, MN 55415
Phone: 612.215.2520
Fax: 612.215.2545
Email: mcba@mnbookarts.org