VCU Libraries' Special Collections and Archives seeks applications from VCU students for its 2025 summer Book Art Residency.

The Book Art Residency will take place during the summer for 12-14 weeks, during which the Book Art Resident will have the opportunity to learn more about VCU's Book Art Collection and other collections, receive support from libraries staff and create an edition of a work inspired by libraries rare and archival collections.  

The Book Art Collection includes more than 4,000 items related to book arts and artist publishing and is strongest in publications from the 1960s forward. The collection encompasses all aspects of contemporary artists' publications, from inexpensive editions in the tradition of the "democratic multiple" to finely crafted artists' books. The collection represents many disciplines, techniques and subjects and can serve as a source of ideas and inspiration for students.

In addition to the Book Art Collection, VCU Libraries has strong collections in comic arts, Richmond and Central Virginia history, community histories, social movements and activism, health sciences history in Virginia and the South, and institutional history and University Archives.

An ideal candidate will have an interest in book art or creating an edition of work, but no prior book art experience is required. This is a paid position that includes workspace and a budget to cover the cost of materials needed to complete the creative work.  

The resident will have a focused opportunity to develop artistic practice, gain research experience and technical skills in book art with the support and mentorship of a supervisor who is herself a book artist.  

Application requirements: Due no later than March 23 via Handshake
● Resume or CV
● Artist bio, including name and pronouns (150-200 words)
● Portfolio of work (5-10 images)
● Letter of interest describing your interest in the opportunity to work with VCU’s Special Collections
and Archives and your experience and/or interest in book art (300-500 words)

Questions? Contact Katharine Buckley

VCU Libraries Book Art Residency, funded by private philanthropy, began in 2024.

About the 2024 Artist in Residence Tate Bernard