2027 Certificate in Bookbinding Fundamentals (Virtual)

Center for Book Arts Virtual Certificate Program in Bookbinding is a comprehensive 64-hour virtual course of study designed for artists, designers, writers, and makers committed to building a serious foundation in bookbinding while developing an individual studio practice. Over the course of a year, participants progress as a cohort through core technical training, elective specialization, and monthly project development sessions with artist and instructor Ben Denzer.

Because students learn alongside one another throughout the program, we select applicants who are at a similar stage of development. This application helps us understand your previous experience, your current skills, and how you think about bookbinding in relation to book art. There are no right answers—we are looking to understand where you are beginning from so we can assemble a cohort of eight individuals who will progress well together.

Key Dates

• Applications open: June 1, 2026
• Application deadline: July 31, 2026
• Notification of decisions: by August 30, 2026
• Program begins: January 2027

Cohort Size

The Certificate Program in Bookbinding is limited to eight students per cohort. Because students progress through the curriculum together, we select applicants who are at a similar stage of development.

Program at a Glance

• 64 total program hours: 30 hours of core bookbinding workshops, 24 hours of elective specialization, and 10 hours of monthly project development sessions with Ben Denzer
• One-year duration, beginning January 2027
• Certificate of Completion awarded upon successful completion of all required hours

Costs

• Application processing fee: $5.00 USD (submitted with application)
• Enrollment fee: $400 (due upon acceptance; includes Ben Denzer's project development sessions and a $100 discount on each of four core workshops)
• Program tuition: $1,500+ (depending on courses selected)

Who Should Apply

This program serves artists, designers, writers, and makers at a range of experience levels who are committed to developing technical skills and a sustained studio practice in the book arts. Prior bookbinding experience is welcome but not required.

What You'll Need to Submit

• Completed application form, including responses to all required questions
• Three images of your previous work in any medium, with a preference for book arts–related projects. Each image should be captioned with medium, dimensions, and year completed.
• $5.00 USD non-refundable application processing fee

How We Review Applications

Applications are reviewed by CBA faculty and staff. We are not looking for right or wrong answers—we are looking to understand your starting point, your existing skills, and how you think about bookbinding in relation to book art. Our goal is to assemble a cohort of eight individuals who can learn alongside one another effectively.

Questions?

If you have questions about the program or need assistance with the application, please contact education@centerforbookarts.org.