CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

TRANSIT and the Chicago Publishers Resource Center (CHIPRC) are once again inviting alternative comics and zine artists from outside the Chicago area to apply for a two-week residency at CHIPRC; this residency is to take place May 28th – June 11th, 2017.

ABOUT THE RESIDENCY

In this residency, artists will be given the opportunity to focus on their craft with the goal of self-publishing new work, as well as to share their process with others in Chicago’s self-publishing community.

CHIPRC’s urban setting provides a unique opportunity to work for two weeks in Chicago. Its storefront space offers 1000 square feet of distraction-free workspace. The center is perfect for getting away from everything and getting down to work. Artists will have access to CHIPRC from 10am-5pm Mondays-Fridays and 10am-2pm Saturdays, and must be present during our public open hours, which are 12pm-5pm Sundays. Housing, travel and materials are at the artist’s expense except where TRANSIT has taken care of costs per written agreement with Artist-in-Residence prior to the beginning of their residency (and with the compliance of CHIPRC staff).

As part of the residency, the artist must work during Open Hours from 12-5pm on Sunday, June 4th, allowing the public to see their process and residency work-in-progress. At the end of the residency, the artist shall add a drawing, illustration or comic to CHIPRC’s Birdbath, a bird-themed installation in the CHIPRC bathroom. Artists will also be given the opportunity to lead a workshop(s) or host a reading of their work during the course of their residency, based on their experience and comfort level. The artist will work with CHIPRC to plan and schedule any programming prior to signing the AiR contract. The artist will also give a presentation during the 2017 Chicago Alternative Comics Expo (CAKE), taking place Saturday, June 10th & Sunday, June 11th, additional details TBD (AiR and CHIPRC will work together to decide content).

EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE

Large work tables

Mac desktop word processing software

HP Scanner (8.5×11 size, color and black-&-white scans)

Desk top printer (black ink only)

Risograph GR2750 w/ ink Blue, Black, Brown (discuss prior to use)

Table top paper cutters

Long arm stapler

Hydraulic electric stapler

Scissors, glue sticks, etc.

Book binding equipment: needles, thread, awls, bone folders

Button maker: 1.5 inch size



To apply, please submit your CV and provide the following information:

– the attached TRANSIT_2017ApplicantContactInfo, filled out by you (please download to fill in).

– A brief statement of what you hope to achieve during your residency and why the Chicago Publishers Resource Center (CHIPRC) is your preferred location. (What project would you hope to work on? What do you hope to achieve during your residency here? What might you need to actualize your project?)

– A brief artistic statement, about your work in general.

– A minimum of five (no more than ten) DIGITAL samples of your most recent work, in Mac-compatible electronic format [images may be low-resolution (72dpi) or hi-res (300 dpi), but file size not to exceed 6 inches x 6 inches]: images of previously self-published bound zines or comics, link(s) to your comics and art online, links to work previously published, or images of comics or art which demonstrate your technical ability and creative aptitude. Website links are acceptable but must correspond with specific images and MUST INCLUDE A NUMBERED LIST with corresponding information (Word doc recommended) of the specific five+ samples we are to consider from the site(s). All supporting documentation must be correctly labeled: include the title, date of work, medium and dimensions of each work. CD-ROMs or DVDs are acceptable as an alternative means of sending your digital content. Hardcopy samples will not be returned or reviewed.

– $15 application fee (non-refundable, US currency)

If you have a PayPal account, you may choose to send us the funds via our Paypal account. If so, send funds to give@transitresidency.org with a note/comment stating “2017 CHIPRC application fee” so it is not processed as a donation, or just click this button to submit your $15:









Alternatively, you may pay by US-check, which should be made to Transit Residency NFP and mailed to us. (Please note that if we do not receive your application fee by February 28th, your application will not be able to be considered towards the residency.)

Applications must be received by TRANSIT on/by Tuesday, February 28th, 2017 (5pm CST).

Download the TRANSIT_2017CHIPRCapplicationChecklistPDF to ensure you’ve not forgotten anything!

Please submit inquiries etc. to apply [at] transitresidency [dot] org or TRANSIT: 2020 N. California Avenue, suite 155 Chicago IL 60647 USA, and please make sure to note “Attention: 2017 CHIPRC inbound program” on subject line of email.

TIMELINE

Applications must be received by TRANSIT by Tuesday, February 28th, 2017 (5pm CST).

Selected artist(s) will be notified by or before mid-April 2017.

The residency shall take place Sunday, May 28th through Sunday, June 11th, 2017 (including attendance at/participation in the Chicago Alternative Comics Expo (CAKE) on June 10th & 11th in Chicago).

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Chicago Publishers Resource Center (CHIPRC) founding dates

Organization 2013, Transit Inbound Residency 2015

Location

The Chicago Publishers Resource Center (CHIPRC) is located in Chicago, at 858 N. Ashland Avenue in West Town.

Eligibility

Zine makers, self-publishers, and comics artists/illustrators from outside the Chicago area ( not those from or in Cook and Lake counties) are eligible to apply — this includes those outside Illinois AND outside of the United States. Artists of all career levels welcome to apply.

Facilities

The 1000 square foot workspace hosts a distraction-free environment walking distance to Wicker Park, one of Chicago’s most vibrant neighborhoods and home to Quimby’s Bookstore. A variety of self-publishing equipment is available for use. Internet access is available (artists are encouraged to bring their own computer or preferred art materials for their personal use).

HOUSING/MEALS/ACCESSIBILITY

Housing/Services: Artist provides their own transportation to and from Chicago. Artist is responsible for any housing expenses beyond TRANSIT’s stipend; TRANSIT and CHIPRC will assist with finding housing options, but are not responsible for the arrangements.

Meals: Artists responsible for their own meals.

Accessibility: The center is not wheelchair accessible, but arrangements can be made for access. Please call before applying to discuss specific needs.

CHIPRC RESIDENCY STATISTICS

Application deadline: February 28th, 2017 for Spring residency.

Resident season: late Spring/early Summer (coinciding with CAKE)

Average length of residencies: 2 weeks

Average number of artists present at one time: 1

Number of artists in 2016: 2

Past Artists-in-Residents include: Roman Muradov, Sarah McNeil, Chris Gooch

Selection Process: Selected by a jurying committee with director’s approval. Jury to be made up of an outside panel of artists and self-publishers from the Chicago self-publishing community, including those involved with Chicago Alternative Comics Expo.

Artist Pays for

Application fee of $15, any housing costs beyond TRANSIT’s stipend, food, travel, and materials.

Institution Pays for

Studio, facilities, program administration.

Artist Eligible for

No additional stipends or fellowships at this time, beyond that which TRANSIT offers towards the Artist-in-Resident’s general expenses.

Artist Duties

As part of the residency, artist must work CHIPRC Open Hours from 12-5pm on Sunday, June 4th, allowing the public to see their process and residency work-in-progress. At the end of the residency, the artist shall add a drawing or comic to CHIPRC’s Birdbath, a bird-themed installation in the CHIPRC bathroom. Artists are asked to submit for CHIPRC’s archives, any printed comics or zines made at CHIPRC during the residency. AiR will also be part of programming at the Chicago Alternative Comics Expo (CAKE), details TBD.

Public Programs

Artist will be given the opportunity to lead a workshop(s) or host a reading of their work during the course of their residency. The AiR will also present/talk about their work at CAKE on the weekend of June 10th & 11th, as well as be an exhibitor at the festival. TRANSIT and CHIPRC reserve the right to exhibit and show images of the work(s) the artist has created during their residency, in promotion of the programs.

History

Chicago Publishers Resource Center (CHIPRC) was inspired by the Independent Publishing Resource Center (IPRC) in Portland. In 2013, founder and executive director John Wawrzaszek started CHIPRC as a communal space for literary and arts programming. CHIPRC provides access to resources needed to create and present creative work, with a particular focus on serving under-represented populations. The center serves the self-publishing community, especially those who work in unlit corners, by fostering the development of and shining a light on their creative voices.

CHIPRC’s Mission

The Chicago Publishers Resource Center (CHIPRC) is a non-profit that strives to build community and foster creativity by providing access to the space, education, and resources necessary to create and self-publish literary and visual work.