MAPC 2026 Conference Printelligence

Wednesday, October 7 — Saturday, October 10, 2026

Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge

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How can print media operate intelligently and with empathy in many spheres? The unique properties of printmaking offer not just tools and prescriptive processes, but a vital and physical way of understanding the world. Since its inception, printmakers have been utilizing a matrix as a form of “generative intelligence,” a process by which the totality of the artist’s intellect, experiences, and skills is employed to interact with materials and technologies to create something heretofore unseen or unexpected. We welcome hearing about innovative, cross-disciplinary collaborations, especially those between art and science.

From coastal erosion to global warming, to equitable social justice for all, we invite innovative proposals for panels, projects, exhibitions, themed portfolios, and other activities that explore printmaking’s current and future roles.

The facilities at LSU are comprehensive, and include relief, intaglio, lithography, silkscreen, papermaking, and book arts. LSU is well known for its large-format capabilities, and our inventory of presses includes two large-format presses (one 4’ x 8’ intaglio press and one 4’ x 8’ lithography press). We are seeking interesting demonstrations and projects, whether collaborative or not, that utilize our specialized facility. Within the School of Art, there is a well-equipped digital fabrication lab featuring laser cutters, a CNC Router, and 3-D printing capabilities. Additional information about the LSU School of Art and its facilities can be found at https://design.lsu.edu/art/programs/.

 

Major Themes of PRINTELLIGENCE

  • What role (past and present) has Printmaking played in the accumulation and wealth of human knowledge?
  • How has the interdependence of visual and textual information evolved, and what might it look like in the future?
  • Are current developments in generative AI friend or foe of the creative practice? How are artists using new technologies and generative AI in ethical and innovative ways? What are the possibilities, and dangers? What are the concerns regarding authorship, appropriation, accessibility, algorithmic bias, representation, and redefining collaboration?
  • Whether traditional or current and cutting-edge, how does our use of materials matter, conceptually as well as their effect on our planet?
  • Printmaking serves as a lens for uncovering the unseen and unexpected in nature, as well as the ethical human interactions with our environment and the largely unexplored universe. How is this translated through print media?

 

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OPEN CALL

Inaugural LSU PRINTatholon Tiger Relay

For the initial event, we invite teams of 3-4 printmakers to propose a print project to be produced using LSU’s large-scale print facilities during the MAPC Printelligence Conference. The goal of this relay is for teams to produce a large-scale print. This project will run concurrently with the conference, allowing attendees to witness the production of these large-scale prints. Each team will be assigned a studio liaison, a current or former LSU student who will be available to assist the team. Proposals may use the Etching, Relief, and Lithography facilities. 

*Participants will be allowed to come earlier, prior to the conference, if needed.

 

Specifications:

Maximum Paper size 36"x48"

Techniques: Plate Lithography, Large Scale Relief, and Intaglio

Below are examples of matrices. Note that these are suggestions. Please propose what you envision would work best for your team. 

Option 1: One large matrix, 36”x48”

Single matrix: 36"x48"

Option 2: Two matrices, each panel 24”x36”

Two matrices, each 24"x36"

Option: 3 : Four matrices, each panel 12”x 36”

Four matrices: 12"x36"

 

Please submit the following:

  1. 200-word proposal outlining which medium you plan to use, the number of teammates, what facilities you propose using, and what type of print you would like to create. 
  2. 100-word bio for each participant
  3. 6–8 images of artwork from participants
  4. Team name
  5. Facilities needs

 

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