About PI – Poster Institute

About The Poster Institute

The Poster Institute (formerly A.P.I., name changed 2023) is a non-profit corporation dedicated to furthering public awareness and appreciation of the poster art form. We are committed to supporting the community of artists creating entertainment-related posters, to fostering interaction and communication between the artists, and to constantly improving standards in the field.

Our Flatstock Exhibitions provide unique opportunities for Accredited Professionals, Supporters, and the public to connect and experience the craft of poster art firsthand.

The Early Years of Flatstock

The first Flatstock took place in San Francisco, and as artists met each other, many for the first time, the idea of a series of Flatstocks across the USA was proposed and embraced. Early connections with enthusiastic poster makers in Seattle and Austin – both hotbeds of growing music poster enthusiasm driven by venues, producers, and collectors – led to successive and successful shows at SXSW and Bumbershoot.

The shows were joyous celebrations of music and art, featuring screen printing and airbrushing demonstrations that attracted a crazy mix of international artists producing tour posters. These events exposed the artists with music industry professionals, leading to flourishing careers in design and merchandising.

Soon, additional Flatstocks joined the annual circuit. Chicago’s Pitchfork Festival, hosted by the local Chicago Poster Art scene, became a regular stop. The festival then crossed the ocean, becoming part of Primavera Sound in Barcelona and the Reeperbahn Festival in Hamburg. Mexico City soon followed.

Beyond Rock Posters

Individual Flatstocks continue to pop off, expanding beyond rock posters into new genres our member artists explore – from retro and contemporary movie posters to TV series, comedy, social action, and special events. We look forward to future Flatstocks showcasing artists who push the boundaries of both poster design and production processes.

Since 2002, we’ve created direct connections between artists and fans at major music festivals worldwide. Now, we’re actively seeking new venues and partnerships to showcase poster art in diverse locations and events. In a digital world, the poster remains what it has always been – tangible, valuable, and the original communication medium. It continues to be the art and soul of the people.