Book Donation Program
The Artist Book Foundation believes in a serious and directed book donations program, delivering more than 15% of each print run to underserved public libraries, schools, and correctional & rehabilitation facilities across the United States.
TABF has donated books in all 50 states. These donations are made possible by funding received through individual donations and grants.
Nationwide Programs
Art resources transfer
Art Resources Transfer (A.R.T.) is a nonprofit organization committed to documenting and disseminating artists' voices and work to the broadest possible public. A.R.T. helps nonprofits like TABF distribute books on art and culture to underserved communities who need them most.
Approximately 75% of TABF donations are made through A.R.T., reaching all corners of the US.
Museums and Historic Sites
During the Covid-19 pandemic, TABF initiated a program to donate over 140 books to six different rural museums and historic sites seriously impacted. The choice of titles was carefully curated to include books that carry significant connections to the institutions to which they were donated.
"I again want to thank you for your interest in working with us to better the lives of our veterans. I definitely am a believer in the healing powers of art and the importance of having the opportunity to be able to interpret someone else’s vision through art and have a reflective insightful experience. I am very much excited to work with you to bring the healing power of art to VACWM."
- Chris Frappier, Central Western Mass VA
Local Programs
Berkshire Schools
"We're very appreciative of the support that the TABF has shown Buxton! The kids benefit so much from being able to peruse art books, and it's been a great educational tool. Thanks again!"
- Frank Jackson, Buxton School
In 2020, TABF began a collaborative partnership with six local high schools in the Northern Berkshires to donate our complete list of publications to each school library. This effort has expanded to include the public libraries here in our community. As new TABF publications are released, each local school and library we have partnered with receives a copy to add to their collection.
This initiative is sponsored by the Cultural Council of Northern Berkshire through the Mass Cultural Council and the Ruth E. Proud Charitable Trust.
Teen Invitational
TABF is a proud sponsor of the MASS MoCA Teen Invitational. This program allows the opportunity for local students to submit artwork to be reviewed by a distinguished jury and included in a main-gallery exhibition. Every year TABF donates publications to MASS MoCA’s educational department which are gifted to the winners of this event in addition to each of the participating schools.
"We received the rest of the collection last week and they are stunning! Our art teacher was particularly excited when I called her over to take a look the day they arrived. Thank you!"
- Liza Barrett, Mount Greylock Regional High School
You too can help move our donation programs forward.
For every book purchased another is donated to an underserved public library or school.
The donations to local schools have been generously funded by Ruth E Proud Charitable Fund,
Mass Cultural Council, and Cultural Council of Northern Berkshire.