Tag der Druckkunst
Events on the occasion of the first anniversary
On Friday, March 15th, 2019, we will celebrate the “Tag der Druckkunst” (Day of the Art of Printing) for the first time. For one year now, the artistic printing techniques of letterpress, gravure, lithographic printing, silk screen printing, and their mixed forms have been officially recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage—awarded by the German UNESCO Commission. Because we as a publishing house feel that this day is essential for our profession, we would like to celebrate it with you. We gathered a little background knowledge and all the events that take place around the “Tag der Druckkunst” for you.
The Museum für Druckkunst Leipzig and the Bundesverband Bildender Künstlerinnen und Künstler (BBK) (Federal Association of Visual Artists) have initiated the application process for the inclusion of printing techniques. For more than 500 years, printed text and visual media have been an important part of European culture and society. Since 1500, copperplate gravure printing has been used for the production of print media, since 1800 also stone- and photoengraving as well as silk screen printing. In the middle of the 19th century, the transition from handicraft technology to industrial printing took place while retaining the basic principles. However, the craftsmanship was cultivated by artists, for example the artist’s group “Die Brücke” and the collage art of Dada. Since the end of the 20th century, traditional printing techniques have only been maintained and preserved by artists, printing workshops, and museums as well as by schools, art, design, and media colleges and adult education centers.
Therefore, the first anniversary is reason enough to contribute to the dissemination of the art of printing throughout Germany with a multitude of activities and to draw attention to its significance for culture. More than 240 organizers are invited by the BBK-Bundesverband to celebrate the “Tag der Druckkunst.” Here you get a detailed overview of all registered events in Germany, France, and Belgium.
Have fun celebrating!
