Arts Organization
centerforbookarts.orgCenter for Book Arts
Art & creative community2 open opportunities listedNew York, New York, United States
About the organization
Founded in 1974, the Center for Book Arts is the first and oldest nonprofit organization in the United States dedicated to the art of the book. Its founding ethos emerged from the intersection of craft, literature, and visual art, positioning the book as both a democratic vessel for text and a sculptural object worthy of exhibition. Over five decades, CBA has evolved into a vital hub for artists, writers, and printers, offering studio access, exhibitions, and educational programs that interrogate and expand the boundaries of bookmaking. Its core mission is to promote and preserve the traditional crafts of bookmaking while fostering contemporary artistic practice that challenges what a book can be.
Programs & opportunities
4 listedTaking part
Before submitting to the Chapbook Contest or any open call, familiarize yourself with the Center's dual commitment to literary content and book-as-object. Your manuscript should demonstrate an awareness of the chapbook as a form—consider how text, image, and structure interact. Read past winners to understand the aesthetic range, which spans from traditional letterpress to innovative book structures. For studio or residency applications, articulate how your project engages with the book's physicality and the Center's resources. Avoid generic cover letters; instead, show a specific understanding of CBA's history and your place within its ongoing conversation.
Organization media
1 images01Representative overview image of Center for Book Arts