The Center for Book Arts is pleased to continue the Workspace Grant for New York Emerging Artists program in 2005. Up to four New York-based emerging artists will be offered space, time and support to explore the production and exhibition of artist's books and related work in two-to-four month residencies. The purpose of this program is to promote experimentation in making book art, thus artists from all disciplinary backgrounds are encouraged to apply. The Center especially encourages applications from artists of culturally diverse backgrounds.

The award includes individual studio space, a $500 cash stipend, use of the Center's printing and binding facilities, a materials budget, and an opening reception and presentation of the artist's work in one of our gallery cases as a Monthly Featured Artist. Other possible opportunities to present work to the public include a lecture or performance as part of the Center's special events calendar.

Artists receive a tuition waiver for our workshop Bookbinding for Artists or an equivalent workshop prior to the residency. Residents may enroll in other workshops on a space available basis. Experienced printers and bookbinders will be available to advise the artists on issues of materials and techniques as they arise. Artists must make use of the studio at least 10 hours per week.

Workspace

The Center for Book Arts was founded in 1974 to develop and promote traditional bookmaking crafts and contemporary interpretations of the book as an art object. This grant will provide, at no cost to the artists, 24-hour access to a partitioned individual workspace (with a work table, storage space and a locker) and use of the Center's equipment and facilities. These include a complete letterpress printshop with four Vandercook proof presses, a treadle press, a 19th century Washington hand press and several platen presses, a composing room with many cabinets of foundry type, a Charles Brand etching press, a 36" guillotine paper cutter, and all accessory equipment. The two binderies include nipping presses, standing presses, two board shears, a 3-ton Kensol hot stamping press, a Kwikprint hot stamping press, lying presses, backing presses, and many hand tools. The Center's slide registry and other reference materials are also available.

Requirements

Applications will not be accepted from students enrolled in undergraduate or graduate degree programs during the program year (January- December 2005). Applicants must be New York State residents and must reside in the greater NYC area at the time of application and during the residency. Artists must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. It is encouraged that artists visit the Center for Book Arts prior to applying to this program. Artists do not need an appointment to visit. The Center is open to the public M - F 10 am - 6pm and Saturdays 10am - 4pm.

Artists are invited to submit applications postmarked by October 1, 2004 for the 2005 program. There is no application fee.

To Apply

1. Current resume (two pages maximum).

2. An artist's statement (maximum 250 words). Write about your vision and goals as an artist, what attracts you this particular residency program, and how the residency will benefit your work. NOTE: Please do not submit a specific project proposal. * Experience in making books is not a prerequisite. The objective of this program is to introduce bookmaking techniques to artists and to provide supported time for experimentation.

3. Ten slides of your work (in any medium) in a slide sheet. Please label slides with numbers 1 - 10, your name, title, date, and TOP.

OR submit video documentation of your work, not more than 5 minutes long, with a one paragraph description of the work. Please cue your tape to the 5-minute segment that you would like the selection panel to watch. NOTE: Audio tapes, digital files or CD roms, promotional materials such as catalogs or postcards, and other supplemental materials will not be accepted. The Center for Book Arts is not responsible for such materials. They will be discarded.

4. A descriptive slide sheet that corresponds with numbered slides and gives the title, date, dimensions and medium of the piece shown.

5. A self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) for return of slides/video. Application materials without SASE that are not picked up at the Center by January 1, 2005 will be discarded.

INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE REVIEWED

Please send materials postmarked by October 1, 2004 to:

ATTN: 2005 Workspace Grant
The Center for Book Arts
28 West 27th Street, 3rd floor
New York, NY 10001

If you have questions or require further information, please email info@centerforbookarts.org or call 212 481 0295. Applicants are encouraged to go to the Center's website and to visit to get a sense of our gallery space, studio facilities and educational programs. A panel will select finalists from slide submissions. Finalists will be interviewed and the selection process will be completed by December 31, 2004. The timing of the residency for each artist will be determined after selection process is complete. All applicants will be notified by mail. Please do not call the Center for results.

The Workspace Grant for New York Emerging Artists is made possible with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, a state agency and the Milton and Sally Avery Arts Foundation.