Al-Mutanabbi Street Starts Here
A three-part exhibition of artist books and broadsides

Artist Books Exhibition Part 3

May 13 – June 21, 2013

See the final set of 80 books of the 3-part exhibition.

Cambridge, MA – On March 5, 2007, a car bomb exploded on al-Mutanabbi Street, the ancient street of booksellers, poets and writers, located at the literary and cultural heart of Baghdad, Iraq.  The attack killed 30 people and injured scores more. As part of an international response to this event, the Cambridge Arts Council presents “Al-Mutanabbi Street Starts Here,” a three-part exhibition of 261 artist books made by 260 international artists from 24 countries. This exhibition events aims to bear witness to the events on Al-Mutanabbi Street, and to collectively affirm that the right to a free exchange of ideas and culture in public space is never to be taken for granted.

Over the course of six months and three exhibitions, the Cambridge Arts Council will present the entire collection of astoundingly powerful artistic creations along with a number of related events such as film screenings, poetry readings, curated conversations at the opening receptions, book-making workshops for children and adults, and in-depth panel discussions.

Final Performance: READ RESITE WRITE
Monday, June 17, 2013 6pm
Artists Dennis Friedler, David Miller, Mari Novotny-Jones, Catherine Tutter and Anna Wexler provide a collaborative performance activating existing artist books and introducing text with guided audience participation. This performance will allow audience members to engage more directly with selected individual artist books and text to deepen our collective response to the Al-Mutanabbi St. bombing and other tragic outcomes of the Iraq War.

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Al-Mutanabbi Street Starts Here
A three-part exhibit of 261 international artist-made books
January 7 - June 21, 2013 
CAC Gallery at the Cambridge Arts Council
City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway, 2^nd Floor, Cambridge, MA

Exhibition #1: January 7 - February 28, 2013
Opening Reception: Monday, January 14, 2013 at 6:00-8:00pm  

Exhibition #2: March 6 - April 30, 2013
Opening Reception: Monday, March 11, 2013 at 6:00-8:00pm  

Exhibition #3: May 13 - June 21, 2013
Opening Reception: Monday, May 13, 2013 at 6:00-8:00pm  

Cambridge Arts Council Public Art Program
In accordance with Cambridge's Public Art Program, one percent of construction costs for capital improvements is designated to support the inclusion of integrated, site-responsive public art. Since 1979, over 200 artworks have been commissioned into the Cambridge Public Art Collection for the enjoyment of all who live, work and visit the city.

CAC Gallery is located in the Cambridge City Hall Annex at 344 Broadway, at the corner of Broadway and Inman Street.  Metered parking is available on Inman Street and Broadway.

CAC Gallery hours:
M: 8:30am - 8:00pm; T, W, TH: 8:30am-5:00pm; F: 8:30am - Noon   

The Cambridge Arts Council will provide auxiliary aids and service, written materials in alternate formats, and reasonable modifications in policies and procedures to persons with disabilities upon request.  CAC does not discriminate on the basis of disability.