For Immediate Release

The Magenta Foundation

"I think that it is not overstating the case to say that the work being produced by those using photography in Canada is as conceptually sophisticated, visually compelling, and intellectually challenging as any work being produced around the world."

— Tim Wride, Curator of Photography,
Los Angeles County Museum of Art

There is no doubt that books play a crucial role in any artist's career. They are showcases, promotional tools, stamps of legitimacy, occasions for critical reflection. The fact also remains that there are very few opportunities for Canadian artists to get such a book published. Currently, Canadian publishers are often unwilling to devote resources to visual artists who have not already achieved a measure of international recognition.

Enter the Magenta Foundation, Canada's first not-for-profit arts publishing house.

Magenta will work with other individuals and organizations, within the arts community and beyond, to broaden the domestic and international recognition of Canadian artists. Magenta will also forge alliances with international curators, gallerists and artists to bring the most vital contemporary art to Canadian audiences. We will achieve both aims through lushly-printed, well-designed books and thought-provoking exhibitions. In all Magenta activities, collaboration will be the dominant principle.

The Magenta Foundation intends to reintroduce the world to Canada and Canada to the world.

Beginning with photography and gradually expanding to other media, Magenta will publish four books in the next two years—two by Canadian photographers and two by international photographers. One of these will feature the work of an emerging artist.

Our first major project is Carte Blanche, a compendium of Canadian photographers, slated for release in April of 2006. A jury of arts professionals nationwide will select approximately two hundred photographers for the book—the best currently practicing here in Canada.

With every book we publish, we will put together exhibitions in Canada, the United States and abroad.

The essential elements for Magenta's success are already in place: support and interest from the Canadian visual arts community, international galleries and distributors, and experienced staff, with the passion, dedication and determination to build a new publishing house from the ground up.