General Info

The Center for Book Arts is one of few contemporary arts organizations dedicated to the art of the book, and the only location in New York City at which visitors can view book arts exhibitions in the context of an active, working studio. In keeping with the Center's mission, our exhibitions endeavor to place book art practice within the larger context of contemporary art, exploring the book as object, as media, and as a site of resistance. The Center for Book Arts is dedicated to exploring and cultivating contemporary aesthetic interpretations of the book as an art object, while preserving the traditional practices of the art of the book. The Center seeks to facilitate communication between the book arts community and the larger spheres of contemporary art and literature through exhibitions, classes, public programming, literary presentations, opportunities for artists and writers, publications, and collecting. Founded in 1974 and still located in Manhattan, it was the first not-for-profit organization of its kind in the nation, and has since become a model for others around the world.The Center for Book Arts is one of few contemporary arts organizations dedicated to the art of the book, and the only location in New York City at which visitors can view book arts exhibitions in the context of an active, working studio. In keeping with the Center's mission, our exhibitions endeavor to place book art practice within the larger context of contemporary art, exploring the book as object, as media, and as a site of resistance. The Center for Book Arts is dedicated to exploring and cultivating contemporary aesthetic interpretations of the book as an art object, while preserving the traditional practices of the art of the book. The Center seeks to facilitate communication between the book arts community and the larger spheres of contemporary art and literature through exhibitions, classes, public programming, literary presentations, opportunities for artists and writers, publications, and collecting. Founded in 1974 and still located in Manhattan, it was the first not-for-profit organization of its kind in the nation, and has since become a model for others around the world.