Minnesota Center for Book Arts (MCBA)’s mission is to ignite artistic practice, inspire learning, and foster diverse creative communities through the book arts. MCBA envisions a world in which creative expression through the book arts is accessible to people at every age and every walk of life. MCBA advances the book arts field by inviting innovation, caring for traditions, educating new enthusiasts, inspiring creative expression, honoring artistic excellence, and empowering broad public access to this dynamic art form.

In 1983, a group of book arts practitioners and enthusiasts in the Twin Cities began plans to create 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 in the Minnesota arts community. Two years later, MCBA opened its doors. Today, MCBA is led by Executive Director Elysa Voshell and is the largest and most comprehensive center of its kind, with two galleries, a library, a shop, and studio spaces for letterpress printing, papermaking, screenprinting, and bookbinding. Located within Open Book at the eastern edge of downtown Minneapolis, MCBA serves upwards of 82,000 patrons each year. MCBA is also home to a vibrant working artist community, from college students to retired lifelong learners. Artistic and community programs include exhibitions, public programming, artmaking workshops, and support for working artists.

Jerome Foundation supports MCBA’s Book Arts Residency and Book Arts Mentorship programs. Led by Director of Exhibitions & Artist Programs Anika Schneider and offered in alternating years to 3 early career Minnesota-based visual and interdisciplinary artists per year, the Book Arts Mentorship Program (Year 1) and the Book Arts Residency Program (Year 2) expand the creative boundaries of the book arts genre and equip artists with new skills, concepts, and techniques. Both year-long programs offer financial support, education/training opportunities, 24/7 access to MCBA’s facilities for the program duration, and more. The Mentorship Program is directed to early career artists who work in disciplines outside of the book arts—including poets, sculptors, photographers, and choreographers—with a focus on education and training and a goal to expand the boundaries of the book arts genre. Residency recipients have a background in book arts. This program encourages the creation and exhibition of new work and strengthens skills and career development.