Records of Idaho Arts Journal, 1982-1989
The Idaho Arts Journal was a statewide newspaper promoting the arts in Idaho. First published in 1983 under the sponsorship of the Sun Valley Center for the Arts and Humanities, it contained news and feature articles about the visual, performing, and literary arts throughout the state. The journal moved from Sun Valley to Sandpoint in 1986 when Jane E. Fritz became editor and publisher. Under her direction, Idaho Arts Journal was published six times a year and financed primarily through advertising, grants, and donations. A nonprofit corporation, Idaho Arts, Inc., was established to support the newspaper. By 1988 Fritz was publishing 20,000 copies of each edition and distributing them for free at 400 locations across the state. Nevertheless, finding adequate financing for each issue was always a challenge. In search of a more secure financial base, Fritz moved the newspaper to Boise during the summer of 1988 when Boise State University offered office space and production assistance. Despite the move, adequate financial backing was not found in Boise and no more issues were published. The last issue was dated Summer 1988.
The records in this collection date mainly after 1986, when Fritz and Associates purchased the journal and Jane Fritz became editor and publisher. Occasional earlier records may be found throughout the collection, however. Business and production records predominate. Also included are records of contract promotional work undertaken by Fritz and Jensen Associates, mainly for arts-related causes, and records of Arts for Idaho, Inc. (1987-1989), a nonprofit corporation supporting the arts.
The records of Idaho Arts Journal were presented to Boise State University by Jane E. Fritz in 1989. The Library also holds copies of the journal itself.
Collection number: MSS 96
Inclusive dates: 1982-1989
Size of collection: ca. 5 ft. (in 4 boxes)
Processed by: Kim Gilbertson, 1998
Sources: Idaho Arts Journal issues; Focus (BSU magazine), Fall l988.