Conjuring Arts Research Center

The Conjuring Arts Research Center is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of magic and its allied arts, which include psychic phenomenon, hypnosis, deceptive gambling, mentalism, ventriloquism, juggling, and sleight-of-hand techniques. Currently, Conjuring Arts functions primarily as a research library, of over 11,000 book and magazine titles, dating back to the 15th century and representing multiple languages. However, the library itself is only the first in a long list of roles Conjuring Arts plays. By providing its holdings, online database, semi-annually published journal, and performance component to the public, Conjuring Arts strives to preserve the rich histories and traditions of this ancient performing art.

Background

Conjuring Arts was established in 2003 and has quickly become a relevant cultural and academic space. Created, in part, to encourage in-depth scholarship devoted to the subject, it has evolved into a resource for performers, historians, writers, collectors, producers of television and film projects, and the general public. With its ever growing library of books and periodicals, Conjuring Arts developed, and continues to maintain, an expansive collection of magic related material. Housing both research materials and various rare conjuring antiquities, Conjuring Arts provides a magical opportunity to more fully understand the history and complexities of one of the world’s oldest professions within the context of contemporary life.