Small Press Incubator Program

Call for Applications: Small Press Incubator Program

Are you a BIPOC writer or poet with an interest in book-making and publishing? Are you looking for support and guidance to take your creative projects to the next level? If so, we invite you to apply for our Small Press Incubator Program!

FAQ Page

Zoom Recording from Informational Session

About the Program:

The Small Press Incubator Program is a unique opportunity for BIPOC individuals to learn and develop their skills in different aspects of the book-making system. Recognizing that the book arts have a long history of being used by marginalized artists looking for ways to showcase ideas without relying on the exclusive systems of conventional publication or gallery representation, the goal of this incubator is to provide a platform for poets to take their ideas for poetry publishing from abstraction to reality by providing participants with the skills, context, and community to start a small press. From conception to production and distribution, participants will receive support and guidance to bring their creative projects to fruition.

What We Offer:

Resources
Studio access and tools to support your creative journey; including a $2,000 stipend + a $1,000 materials budget

Orientation and Workshops:
During the first and third week of the program, there will be an orientation in CBA’s studios as well as 30 hours of workshops on Design, Riso Printing and Bookbinding.

Mentorship Program
The mentorship program will pair a professional from the industry with a participant to have personalized mentorship along the 8-week long period. In-person and online follow-ups will take place throughout the program. Each mentor will present a lecture in their area of expertise that all of the residents will attend.

End of program
A final public program where participants will present the outcomes of their projects with their publishing plans and prototypes.

Values of our program:

Inclusivity
This program is specifically designed for BIPOC writers, artists, and poets. All members of the BIPOC community are welcome and encouraged to apply.

Supportive Environment
We provide a nurturing and supportive environment where participants can grow and thrive.

Community Engagement
Participants will have the opportunity to engage with fellow participants and industry professionals through group discussions, workshops, and events.

Celebration of Culture
We celebrate the rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions of the BIPOC community, encouraging participants to draw inspiration from their cultural backgrounds.

Long-Term Goals
This program is not just a short-term opportunity but a stepping stone towards long-term success. We encourage participants to think about their goals beyond the program and how they envision their careers evolving in the future.

Who is this program for?

This program is meant for BIPOC writers/poets interested in learning what it takes to create a long-term small publishing press.
This program is for those who have a project connected to their community.
This program is not meant for established publishing presses and is instead geared to those in the beginning stages of their small press activity.
This program is meant for individuals only. Any collectives/groups would need to have a single representative for the program.
This program is meant for anyone who is 18 and older.
This program is for those who would be able to attend the Small Press Incubator program full-time in-person for eight weeks at Center for Book Arts. Please see dates below.

Timeline:

Open Call: 06/24/2024 – 08/18/2024

Information session: August 2nd, 2024, from 12:30PM to 1:30PM ET (Click here to RSVP)

Notified of acceptance: 9/20/2024

Start date of the Program: 10/21/2024

Final Presentation: 12/13/2024

How to Apply:

To apply for the Small Press Incubator Program, please submit the following materials:

A brief statement of interest outlining why you are interested in participating in the program and what you hope to gain from it.
Do you identify as a (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) BIPOC person? A participant’s self-declared identity at registration will be accepted at face value and there shall be no basis for, or tolerance of, a challenge to a participant’s self-declared identity.
A brief bio or resume highlighting your background and connection to publishing
Describe the small press that you would like to create. Please bear in mind the following; the feasibility of the project, the audience for this project, and the impact it would have in your community.
What do you hope the life-span of this publishing project would be?
Submit three publication ideas that you would potentially publish with your small press.
Name three publishers that you admire and explain why.
Would you be available to participate full-time in this eight-week in-person Small Press Incubator program from 10/21/24 – 12/13/24 at Center for Book Arts in New York?

Apply Now:

To apply, please visit https://centerforbookarts.submittable.com/submit/299342/small-press-incubator and complete the online application form.

If you have any questions about the program or the application process, please contact education@centerforbookarts.org.

We look forward to receiving your applications!

With care,

Center for Book Arts