Printed Matter, Inc.
Emerging Artists Publication Series
Call for Submissions 2019
Printed Matter, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to the distribution, understanding and appreciation of artists’ books, is pleased to announce an open call for book proposals as part of our ongoing Emerging Artists Publication Series.
Applications are open through midnight Friday, May 31, 2019. Submission is free.
The Emerging Artists Publication Series is only open to individuals who reside in the five boroughs of New York City. Applicants may not be currently enrolled in an undergrad or graduate level program.
This program is made possible with support from the Jerome Foundation and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs.
Program Overview
The Emerging Artists Publication Series supports early career artists in realizing an artists' book project. Up to two compelling book proposals will be selected by Printed Matter staff and a guest jury to be developed and published under our imprint in 2019-20. As "emerging artists", applicants will be practicing artists but will not have major gallery representation, a significant solo exhibition history or an extensive book publishing practice.
First publications are encouraged. Collaborative proposals are welcome, but note that both participants must be residents of NYC. Multiple submissions are permitted, with a maximum of two.
Proposed books may be in progress—a final design is not required—however applications should be for book projects developed beyond the idea stage. Though we expect that selected projects will evolve during the working period, submissions should be carefully considered and successfully illustrate to the jury what the completed project will look like. Applications may also describe production aspects of the book, including size and format, printing method and binding.
In support of your application, please provide an overview of any work that’s been done to date, and a brief breakdown of what you see the remaining work areas to be (research phase, writing period, commissioning of texts, etc.) with an indication of how project material will be sourced.
We will only be able to review submissions for artists’ books—works that are conceived as artworks in their own right. Works of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, catalogs of artwork, monographs, as well as limited edition, deluxe, or hand-crafted book objects will not be eligible as these are outside the program’s scope. Please visit www.printedmatter.org for more information on Printed Matter and artists’ publications.
Application Requirements
—A detailed summary of the proposed project (up to 500 words)
—A short status report on progress to date (up to 200 words)
—A PDF draft of the work in progress (or sample pages), or a PDF of images that directly relate to or demonstrate some aspect of the proposed project, including brief captions
—Artist website or CV
Available Support
Up to two projects will be selected and published under Printed Matter’s imprint, with all production and design expenses covered (within budget).
Artists receive a fee of $1,500, and 5% of the edition.
Artists will have access to Printed Matter staff for project support, as well as layout and production assistance from a designer as needed. Each title will be promoted with a press announcement, a launch event/program at Printed Matter, and through wholesale and institutional offerings to bookstores and libraries. Titles will be carried at Printed Matter.
Timeline
All book proposals must be sent by midnight Friday, May31, 2019. Applications sent after this date will not be considered. A more detailed work/production schedule will be established with selected artists at that time.
Please note that given project budget and short production timeline, selected artists may be asked to shape aspects of their project so that it can be realized within the scope of the Series. Proposals with especially elaborate or costly production may be better suited for other publishers.
Please write to Keith@printedmatter.org with questions.
