Print Archive
The PCA Print Archive commenced in 1967 when the first Print Commission process, then titled the Member Print, was held. From 1967 until 1990 one print from each commissioned edition has been archived. Since 1990 two prints have been archived. The PCA Print Archive now numbers in excess of 500 works including all commissioned and Presidential prints. The only curatorial intent determining the collection being the fostering of contemporary prints and print practice.
Artist printmakers are invited annually to produce an edition of prints as part of the Print Commission. The “Call for artists” closes in late January each year. Proposals are judged by an independent judge. Selected artists are invited to produce an original edition of new prints (historically editions have consisted of between 10-40 prints). Artists are paid a small fee. Since 1991 paper for print editions has been donated to the artists by sponsor, Canson Australia. Members subscribe to the Print Commission purchasing the print edition in advance of the production. Artists submit all prints from the edition, two prints are archived annually by the PCA, the remainder distributed to subscribers.
The PCA Print Archive remains an important continuing national and publicly accessible contemporary print collection in Australia.