Scandinavian/Nordic Artists’ Books Partnership Project
This collaborative project brought together artists, publishers, librarians and curators from Denmark, Norway, Sweden and the UK to discuss problems around collecting, archiving, curating, and working with artists’ books. Our aim for this project was to facilitate knowledge exchange between librarians, artists and the public, expand understanding of arts practice, and work towards a more sustainable, innovative and culturally successful discipline. We wanted to change attitudes towards and the perception of artists’ books in the Nordic/Scandinavian regions. Outputs included a two-day seminar in Bergen, a Librarian’s Artists’ Books exhibition, the Bristol Artist’s Book Event (BABE) in spring 2022 and an Arlis South-West day for librarians from both countries.
By the end of the project, we had:
Showcased ideas for best practice with artists’ books in library collections. We did this through online seminars, email round ups of Q&As, examples of projects and talks with staff about collecting, promoting and exhibiting these artefacts.
Built a network and knowledge exchange opportunity for all attendees, including a regional Arlis group for artists’ books established by participants. Participants have also shared info and contacts to keep in touch beyond the project.
Assisted artists and publishers in promoting their work in these regions and further field. This was achieved through sales at BABE and resulting contacts.
Promoted artists’ books practice in the region and embedded it within the wider international field. This was achieved through BABE, the Book Arts Newsletter, articles written for the Artist’s Book Yearbook and in journals such as Printmaking Today and The Blue Notebook, and the videos produced for our Scandinavian Artists’ Books Partnership Project playlist on YouTube.
