WNY Book Arts CollaborativeMission and Vision StatementMISSION The Western New York Book Arts Collaborative exists to promote, encourage and develop the Printing and Book Arts through education and access for individual artists and underserved communities. Through active programs of all facets of the printed word and image -- printmaking, papermaking, illustration, design, writing, book binding -- the long history of multiple editions from stone carving to the internet can be explored and made accessible to the public. Through creativity and expression a greater sense of cultural understanding and sense of community may be developed. VISION In the wake of the rapid growth of digital texts and technologies, the printed word is all too often regarded as an archaic, if not superfluous archetype. It is apparent that the importance of traditional printed arts will only continue to increase as digital sources become more refined. The tactile qualities of a book and inherent permanence of good printing are timeless. For example, Johannes Gutenberg’s printed works are still in the same condition as when they were printed 500 years ago while digital data from 10 or 20 years ago is already irreparably damaged and lost forever. Talented graduates of Buffalo’s many colleges with specialization in graphic arts have limited options for remaining in this metropolis. Shared resources and studio space can help facilitate a continuance of skills and production of artwork in this city. Based on similar sites around the world, it appears possible and feasible to create a self-sustaining center that would enhance the quality of life in Western New York on several levels. SHORT TERM GOALS WNY Book Arts Collaborative - launch Initially the plan is: -To develop partnerships with like-minded organizations in the planning and promotion of Book Arts related events in and around Western New York. -To develop a board for the newly formed 501 (c) 3 non profit corporation -To cultivate funding for the execution of programs and growth of the organization. LONG TERM GOALS Buffalo Book Arts Center Purpose: As a hands on partner with a Museum, The Book Arts Center would allow for Artists of all ages and levels of experience to access equipment and enroll in workshops in producing their own work. Members of the Center will receive discounts and preferred access to the facilities. -Workshops in papermaking, printing and binding will be available. - Intaglio, silkscreen and litho print studios will be available for rent. -Outreach for Buffalo Schools -public and private Museum of printing and book arts Purpose: To explore the rich history of print culture and book arts at large with an emphasis on Western New York’s instrumental role in advancing the fine press movement in the early 20th Century (Roycroft, Aries, Graybau). At one time, Buffalo had more printers per capita than any other US city. The Buffalo area Colleges have many strong graphic arts programs with many graduates. The proximity of this site to Niagara Falls along with proximity to other Buffalo cultural attractions will greatly enhance the Cultural Tourism growth of Buffalo. (The Mackenzie Print Museum is situated near Niagara Falls, while Toronto is home of Coach House Books among other printerly attractions, while just to the east, there is the Visual Studies Workshop, Harold Kyle’s Boxcar Press, the Bixler’s Typefoundry and Victor Hammer’s legacy lives on at Wells College. Moreover, the Poetry and Rare Books Collection at SUNY Buffalo is the home of the most extensive collection of first edition books of poetry written in English this side of the Mississippi, and the Albright-Knox Art Gallery has a massive, and consistently growing collection of Artists Books, making this Museum a strong and necessary addition to the wealth of resources that have attracted bibliophiles to this region for years.) Because practice and preservation go hand in hand, the museum will have a “working” component as well. |
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