History of ATCs

Artist trading card by
M. Vänçi Stirnemann

Artist Trading Cards

Artist Trading Cards (ATCs) are miniature works of art that have grown in popularity since their inception. They serve as a unique medium for artists to share their work and connect with others in the art community. Here’s a brief outline of the history of ATCs:

Birth of the Concept:

The concept was developed by m. vänçi Stirnemann, an artist from Zürich, during a visit to Calgary, Alberta, Canada, for the Olympic Arts Festival in 1988, inspired by adults collecting hockey cards.
While he was an artist-in-residence at The New Gallery in 1990, vänçi aimed to document his activities but faced high printing costs, delaying the project until 1996.
Frustrated by these costs, he hand-produced cards, resulting in an exhibition of 1200 cards in April 1997 at INK.art&text in Zürich.
He invited other artists to create their own cards and trade them with him at the exhibition’s closing reception.
September 1997 was the first trading session in Calgary, Alberta, Canada at The New Gallery.

Global Spread (Late 1990s):

The idea of exchanging artist cards quickly spread beyond Switzerland, capturing the interest of artists worldwide.
Online communities and forums emerged, allowing artists to connect and trade ATCs internationally.

Establishment of Guidelines:

As ATCs gained popularity, guidelines were developed, emphasizing the importance of creativity and originality in each card.
ATCs are not for sale; they are meant for trading, promoting a spirit of generosity in the art community.

Artist Communities and Events:

Local ATC groups and clubs formed, organizing events and workshops centered around trading and creating these cards.
Many art fairs and exhibitions started including ATC-specific sections, further validating their artistic significance.

Diverse Styles and Techniques:

Artists began to explore a variety of styles, techniques, and materials for their ATCs, from painting to digital art and mixed media.
This diversity has led to a vibrant and eclectic collection of cards, pushing the boundaries of traditional art forms.

Growth of Digital ATCs:

With advancements in technology, digital artist trading cards emerged, expanding the scope of creativity.
Digital platforms now serve as avenues for artists to showcase and trade their work across the globe.

Current Trends:

ATCs continue to evolve with contemporary practices, including collaborations among artists and themed trading events.
The rise of social media has allowed for wider sharing and appreciation of ATCs, creating a dynamic global community.

Artist Trading Cards represent more than just small pieces of art; they symbolize a movement of collaboration, creativity, and connection among artists everywhere.