Ensuring the Viability of Letterpress Printing in the 21st Century: A Case for an Artist Space in Eugene, Oregon

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Date

2012-06

Authors

Kaler, Amanda

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Abstract

While letterpress printing is undergoing a cultural and creative transformation, there is a significant absence of opportunities to learn, access, and practice letterpress printing in a community setting. This study explores the historical, systematic, and organizational issues that affect community access to contemporary letterpress printing. Through a comprehensive literature review and analysis from three artist space case studies, this study 1) explores the significance of artist spaces on a macro level; 2) compares and contrasts business models for nonprofit, for-profit, and social enterprises; 3) analyzes three present-day artist spaces featuring letterpress printing; and 4) provides recommendations for a letterpress-focused artist space that would be appropriate in scale for Eugene, Oregon. As several Eugene/Springfield stakeholders have preliminarily identified a need for a community print shop in the local area, this research provides a helpful blueprint toward the development of such a space.

Description

73 p. Examining committee chair: Doug Blandy

Keywords

Artist space, Letterpress, Printing arts, Business models, Social enterprise

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