By: Russ Burlingame on August 3, 2012
The Museum of Comics and Cartoon Art and the Society of Illustrators have just issued a joint statement that they will be merging, with the Society of Illustrators taking over MoCCA’s assets. MoCCA will reportedly relocate to a street-level location in the Society’s building at 128 E. 63rd Street in Manhattan. MoCCA’s permanent art collection, as well as the name and the name of their respected MoCCA Festival, will turn over to the Society.
Back at the beginning of July, MoCCA closed abruptly, with officials saying only that there would be a new location and offering little in the way of details.
“The Society of Illustrators has a long, proud history of promoting the art and appreciation of all genres of illustration. We are honored to be able to spearhead the expansion and growth of the incredible foundation that MoCCA has created over the past ten years.” Artist and animator Bill Plympton, a member of both institutions, called this new development “a match made in cartoon heaven!”
In spite of the merger, MoCCA’s name and history will not be downplayed. Per the statement:
“The Society will continue and expand MoCCA’s mission in a number of ways: staging MoCCA Fest in its current location, dedicating a gallery in the Society building to MoCCA’s Permanent Collection, continuing MoCCA programming, and curating a special exhibition of works from MoCCA’s Permanent Collection in their Hall of Fame Gallery (on display March 5-May 4), which will run in conjunction with a major exhibit, “The Comic Art of Harvey Kurtzman,” curated by graphic designer and comics-anthology editor Monte Beauchamp. There will be extensive arts programming around both of these exhibits, including lectures, workshops, film and music series. Current MoCCA memberships will be honored at the Society of Illustrators.”
MoCCA President Ellen Abramowitz added, “The Society of Illustrators is the perfect fit for MoCCA and its members. MoCCA’s fundamental principles will continue to be guided by the steady hand of the Society and its terrific staff. The two organizations are a wonderful match, where attendees, members, and fans will have it all under one roof in New York City. To be welcomed into the home of celebrated artists and publishers by a first-rate organization will serve to ensure that the foundation upon which MoCCA was built will continue to have a bright future.”
