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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.

In 1983, a group of book arts practitioners and enthusiasts in the Twin Cities began plans to create an institution, a true book arts center, where artists could create, students could build skills, fine art could be exhibited, and a generally under-acknowledged artistic discipline could be elevated into the public eye and take its proper place in the Minnesota arts community. Two years later, in 1985, this dedicated group opened the doors of the brand new Minnesota Center for Book Arts. MCBA's first public home was in the McKesson Building, on North Third Street in the not-yet-gentrified Warehouse District of downtown Minneapolis.

The organization thrived in that space, but after fifteen years, it was clear that they had outgrown their home. In the spring of 2000, after more than two years of research and planning, Minnesota Center for Book Arts joined with The Loft Literary Center and Milkweed Editions to become a founding tenant of Open Book, the first comprehensive literary and book arts facility in the nation. The renovated and reinvigorated century-old building was the first cultural landmark of the Minneapolis downtown riverfront, which is now also home to the Guthrie Theatre, Mill City Museum and MacPhail Center for Music. Open Book creates a lively destination for a diverse public interested in books, book arts and literary endeavors of all kinds.

MCBA now serves upwards of 70,000 patrons (including over 25,000 K-12 students) each year, working with groups in our studios as well as in school classrooms, libraries and community events across the state. MCBA is also home to a vibrant working artist community, from college students to retired lifelong learners and everyone in between, at every skill level. Our world-class artistic and community programs include: critically acclaimed exhibitions that are always free to the public; year-round free public programming on engaging topics in the arts and beyond; top-notch artmaking workshops for families; and a dedication to the support of working artists that is simply unmatched in the community. MCBA gives people at every age and every walk of life the opportunity to explore and expand their understanding of contemporary art and book arts.

Our space is easy to get to, but difficult to leave! Explore our antique printing presses up close. Surround yourself with hundreds of drawers of wood and metal type in every size, shape and style imaginable. Learn how artists make paper by hand. Get inspired by the spirit of curiosity and creativity that radiates from a community of working artists. Explore history, technique and innovation in our reference library and collection archives. And don’t miss The Shop at MCBA for a truly unique selection of artworks, broadsides, artist's books, screenprinted posters, letterpress cards and gifts, miniatures, jewelry, art supplies and so much more.

Mission
The mission of Minnesota Center for Book Arts is to advance the book as a vital contemporary art form, preserve the traditional crafts of bookmaking, inspire diverse artists and learners and engage audiences in educational, creative and interpretive experiences.

Strategic Vision
Since 1983, Minnesota Center for Book Arts has served as a vital arts resource for audiences and artists and has made a valuable and important contribution to this community’s cultural depth and diversity.  To protect these gains and to preserve its assets as a nationally recognized leader in the book arts field, MCBA will respond to opportunities and challenges facing it by focusing on its mission and three strategic goals: Sustainability, Organizational Effectiveness and Enhanced Visibility.

Values
We deliver excellence in each of our programs, collaborations, projects and associations.

We share a passion for the artist’s book and its power to inform and inspire audiences, past, present and future. We honor and support the book artist.

We are champions of the book arts -- we are stewards of traditional equipment and provide access to that historic technology. We preserve the book arts craft; protect its future; and raise public awareness of the art form.