IAPMA, International Association of Hand Papermakers and Paper Artists

The International Association of Hand Papermakers and Paper Artists (IAPMA) is the world's leading organisation for paper artists. It was founded in 1986 in Düren, Germany, when paper as an art medium was far less well-known than it is today. While paper history and production are one facet of the Association's activities, the central focus is the role of paper as an art form and as a contemporary artistic medium. A member-based and not-for-profit organisation, the main objective of IAPMA is to facilitate an international exchange of artistic ideas and share information about hand papermaking and paper art. IAPMA aims to provide the opportunity for members to work together, collaborate on artistic projects and exhibitions, share solutions to technical problems, explore different paper-related cultural backgrounds, and encourage new approaches to paper arts. Each year, IAPMA publishes the Bulletin -- a full-color journal on contemporary paper art including handmade paper covers and swatches -- and six newsletters, providing timely information about exhibitions, publications, projects and techniques involving paper. Every two years, IAPMA organises the biennial Congress, an opportunity for members and other international paper artists to gather in person to share research, creative skills, and build networking. All members are invited to share information with other members through the newsletter, Bulletins, the IAPMA website, and of course, in person at the Congress.