The MCBA/Jerome Book Arts Mentorship
Applications are now being accepted for MCBA / Jerome Foundation Book Arts Mentorship Series IX! Please read all the guidelines thoroughly before beginning the application process. Applications are open from June 14–August 4, 2024.
The Book Arts Mentorship is an artist development program aimed at introducing book arts to early career artists whose primary medium is in another discipline. There are many reasons to explore book arts as a new artistic medium. As a highly malleable and versatile form of expression, book arts extend the possibilities of other art forms. You can create a conceptual space. Experiment with sequence and visual or verbal narrative. Use book art forms to extend, explore, document or reexamine work produced in other artistic disciplines.
Since 1985, the Jerome Foundation has helped artists push the boundaries of contemporary book arts by supporting the creation of new work. Book arts projects funded by 16 series of Fellowships (now known as Jerome Residency) and eight prior series of Mentorships range from exquisitely crafted fine press volumes and sculptural books to documented performances and one-of-a-kind installations that “break the bindings” and redefine conventional notions of book form.
Information sessions will take place virtually on the following dates:
Friday, July 12th, 2024 at 12 pm. Watch the recorded information session here.
Wednesday, July 31st, 2024 at 6 pm
Artists in the following disciplines are encouraged to apply:
● Literary arts (poetry, spoken word, fiction, creative nonfiction)
● Visual arts (drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, mixed media, new media)
● Music (composing)
● Film / video (filmmakers, animation)
● Theater (playwriting)
● Dance (choreography)
Award and Eligibility
Three jurors representing diverse perspectives and practices will review all applications and select three mentorship recipients. Artists selected for the Book Arts Mentorship will receive:
● $2,000 award for the purchase of materials and to supplement other project costs (subject to state and federal income tax guidelines)
● Basic book arts training at MCBA through required workshops and trainings in letterpress, binding, and papermaking
● An educational stipend of $1,400 to be used for required workshops and trainings as well as additional workshops or private tutorials to gain skills to complete the project
● 24/7 access to MCBA’s bookbinding, printing, and papermaking studios for 10 months
● The ability to receive mentorship support from MCBA staff through project meetings
● One-year membership to MCBA (allowing for additional discounts for art supply purchases in MCBA’s retail store, The Shop)
● One field trip to a local collection and one to a local book artist’s studio
● Recognition through a culminating public exhibition in MCBA’s main gallery.
Questions?
Please contact Director of Exhibitions and Artist Programs for questions and assistance
Anika Schneider
aschneider@mnbookarts.org
612-215-2528