Bookbinding is an art form that has been around for centuries, with techniques and styles that have evolved over time.

The bookbinding community is made up of passionate artists and craftsmen who create beautiful books that are both functional and artistic. However, despite the rich history of bookbinding, there is a need for more diversity in this field.

Bookbinding, like many other traditional art forms, has historically been dominated by white male artists. This lack of diversity is problematic because it limits the range of perspectives and experiences that are represented in the art form. It also perpetuates a culture of exclusion, making it difficult for BIPOC artists to enter the field and succeed.

One of the reasons why diversity is so important in bookbinding is that it brings fresh perspectives and new ideas to the art form. When artists from different backgrounds and cultures come together, they bring their unique experiences and perspectives, which can help to push the boundaries of what is possible in bookbinding. This can lead to exciting new techniques, styles, and designs that can help to keep the art form relevant and engaging.

Another reason why diversity is important in bookbinding is that it helps to make the art form more accessible to a wider range of people. When people see artists who look like them creating beautiful books, it can inspire them to explore bookbinding themselves. This can lead to a more vibrant and diverse community of artists and enthusiasts who are passionate about bookbinding.

However, achieving diversity in bookbinding is not easy. It requires a concerted effort from everyone in the bookbinding community, from artists and craftsmen to publishers and educators. It requires a commitment to inclusivity and a willingness to listen to the voices of BIPOC artists and make the necessary changes to ensure that they feel welcome and supported.

One way to encourage diversity in bookbinding is to provide more opportunities for BIPOC artists to enter the field. This can be done through scholarships, mentorship programs, and outreach initiatives that help to introduce bookbinding to underrepresented communities. It is also important to create a culture of inclusivity within the bookbinding community, where BIPOC artists feel welcomed and supported.

Diversity is crucial for the future of bookbinding so I decided to create a list of scholarships for BIPOC bookbinders and book artists. By embracing a more diverse range of perspectives and experiences, we can help to keep the art form fresh and relevant, and create a more welcoming and inclusive community for everyone. It is up to all of us in the bookbinding community to make this happen, and to work together to create a future where bookbinding is accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

I hope it helps!

The Diversity in Book Arts Scholarship: This scholarship is open to BIPOC artists who are interested in studying book arts at the Oregon College of Art and Craft.

The American Academy of Bookbinding (AAB) Scholarship for BIPOC Artists: This scholarship is awarded annually to BIPOC artists who are interested in pursuing bookbinding as a career or expanding their skills. The scholarship covers the tuition fee for one of the AAB's courses. https://www.americanacademyofbookbinding.org/scholarships/bipoc-artist-scholarship
The Guild of Book Workers Diversity Initiative Scholarship: The Guild of Book Workers offers two scholarships to BIPOC artists to attend a bookbinding course. The scholarship covers the tuition fee and a stipend for travel and lodging expenses. https://guildofbookworkers.org/scholarships/diversity-initiative-scholarship
The Women's Studio Workshop BIPOC Artist Residency Grant: The Women's Studio Workshop offers a residency grant to BIPOC artists who want to pursue bookbinding or other book arts. The grant covers the residency fee, materials, and a stipend for living expenses. https://wsworkshop.org/grants-residencies/residency-grants/bipoc-artist-residency-grant/
The Center for Book Arts Scholarship for BIPOC Students: The Center for Book Arts offers a scholarship to BIPOC students who are interested in bookbinding, book arts, or related fields. The scholarship covers the tuition fee for one of the Center's courses. https://centerforbookarts.org/opportunities/scholarships/
The San Francisco Center for the Book Scholarship for BIPOC Artists: The San Francisco Center for the Book offers a scholarship to BIPOC artists who are interested in bookbinding, letterpress printing, or other book arts. The scholarship covers the tuition fee for one of the Center's courses. https://sfcb.org/scholarships-and-grants/bipoc-artist-scholarship/
The North Bennet Street School BIPOC Scholarship: The North Bennet Street School offers a scholarship to BIPOC artists who are interested in bookbinding, book conservation, or other craft-related fields. The scholarship covers the tuition fee and a stipend for living expenses. https://www.nbss.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/bipoc-scholarship
The Asheville Bookworks BIPOC Scholarship: The Asheville Bookworks offers a scholarship to BIPOC artists who are interested in bookbinding or other book arts. The scholarship covers the tuition fee for one of the Bookworks' courses. https://ashevillebookworks.com/bipoc-scholarship/
The Morgan Art of Papermaking Conservatory and Educational Foundation BIPOC Scholarship: The Morgan Art of Papermaking Conservatory and Educational Foundation offers a scholarship to BIPOC artists who are interested in bookbinding, papermaking, or related fields. The scholarship covers the tuition fee for one of the Conservatory's courses. https://morganconservatory.org/scholarship-programs/bipoc-scholarship/
The Book Arts League BIPOC Scholarship: The Book Arts League offers a scholarship to BIPOC artists who are interested in bookbinding, letterpress printing, or other book arts. The scholarship covers the tuition fee for one of the League's courses. https://www.bookartsleague.org/bipoc-scholarship.html
The Minnesota Center for Book Arts BIPOC Artist Scholarship: The Minnesota Center for Book Arts offers a scholarship to BIPOC artists who are interested in bookbinding, letterpress printing, or other book arts. The scholarship covers the tuition fee for one of the Center's courses. https://www.mnbookarts.org/classes/bipoc-scholarship/