Artist Trading Cards - a collaborative cultural performance
(since 1997)

Artist Trading Cards are miniature works of art created on 2.5 x 3.5 inch or
64 x 89 mm card stock. they are originals, small editions and, most importantly, self-produced. anybody can produce them. the idea is that you trade them with other people who produce cards, either at TRADING SESSIONS or wherever you meet another ATC trader in person. it is important that you meet other people in person to trade - i.e. it is ok to trade by mail or to participate in editions but the main purpose of this performance is the trading session and the personal meeting.


It‘s not about money: ATCs are not to be sold (ATCs and money don't mix). participants in trading sessions and editions should not be
charged any money: the point of the project is the exchange of cards as well as the
personal experience.

there are monthly TRADING SESSIONS at different places (zurich, calgary etc. see EVENTS) and you can start your own Trading Session wherever you live. there have been other TRADING SESSIONS at irregular intervals in other cities. the project was initiated in 1997 by zurich artist m.vänçi stirnemann;. since then
several hundred people from all over the world have traded ATCs during TRADING SESSIONS, through mail or by participating in COPY-LEFT EDITIONS and SISTER TRADING CARDS (STC).