The New Print Center in New York
January 21, 2023
Print Center New York is a nonprofit institution that engages audiences through innovative scholarship and interdisciplinary exhibitions. Its mission is to foster serious study of fine art prints. They also provide educational programming and services to the community. Originally called International Print Center New York, the organization is now renamed to the Print Center.
The Print Center New York website lists a wide range of programs. These include printmaking, educational programs, print reproduction, and desktop publishing. Their annual calendar features solo shows and group exhibitions of emerging artists. In addition, they offer a digital storefront that can provide users with a variety of print orders. Users can place orders, review past orders, view order history, and check the status of pending jobs.
As part of its mission, the Print Center also provides desktop publishing services for Region 10. This includes the creation of up to 300 index cards per semester. Students who use the service must pick up their finished prints within three days of completion. Those who choose to have their prints printed on card stock should consider ordering in different colors.
Other offerings from the Print Center include the DEIA. The Digital Enhanced Imaging Art program is designed to bring diverse curatorial voices to the forefront. It features performances, artist conversations, and artist-conducted guided tours. Moreover, it aims to highlight the relationship between photography and new technologies.
The Print Center’s new space at 535 West 24th Street, a former factory building, will double its physical footprint. The new location will increase visibility and allow visitors to engage in a variety of educational and artistic programming. At Print Center the same time, the facility will allow the Center to expand its annual programming from three to five exhibitions.
Another noteworthy feature of the new facility is the printmaking exhibition, which will be open to the public. Visitors will see a range of prints, including large pieces of woodcut and copper paper. Moreover, the space is being outfitted with sound installations. One example is Jess Rowland’s Sound Tapestries (2022), which is made of suspended copper foil printed acetate.
Lastly, the Center is now home to a cash-to-card machine, which allows students to add money to their personal account and reconcile it using a credit card. The machine is located in front of the Services Desk on the second floor.
Overall, the new space is a major upgrade for the Print Center. The Center relies on foundation and government support for its work. While the organization has yet to hire its first curator, the new space will help the Center grow its presence and programmatic offerings.
All in all, the Print Center’s move to the new space is an important step in the organization’s mission. They are also growing their team. A director of development and exhibition coordinator have been recently hired.
Hopefully, the Print Center will continue to grow in the years to come. It will serve as a hub of knowledge and education about prints in New York City.