MICRO-PUBLISHING SUMMER RESIDENCY

// APPLICATIONS HAVE NOW CLOSED. Thanks for your interest! Notifications to applicants will be sent by July 4, 2025. //

As part of our 10-year anniversary programming, we are excited to host self-directed micro-publishing residencies at Possible Worlds in July and August 2025.

We will be supporting two artists who self-identify as racialized and who would benefit from dedicated time and space toward the development of a DIY or small press publishing project (zines, artists' books, comics, experimental, etc.) These micro-residencies are one week in duration at Possible Worlds studio.

Available Residency Dates

  • July 19-25, 2025

  • July 26-August 1, 2025

  • August 2-8, 2025

  • August 9-15, 2025

  • August 16-22, 2025

Eligibility

The residency is open to:

  • Individuals 18 years of age or older;

  • Artists who self-identify as Indigenous, Black, Asian and/or racialized, from emerging to mid-career;

  • Artists who can work independently, and already have DIY or small press publishing as part of their creative practice OR would like to incorporate it into their current creative practice;

  • Artists who wish to focus on contemplation, research, process or experimentation;

  • Artists who are developing projects aligned with Possible Worlds mandate and vision;

  • Local artists, or out-of-town artists who are able to cover travel and accommodation.

Benefits

The micro-residency will offer:

  • Duration of the residency: one week;

  • Artist stipend of $250;

  • Access to working/desk space at Possible Worlds studio, located in the heart of downtown Ottawa, close to amenities and multiple Canadian national and local arts and cultural institutions;

  • Access to Possible Worlds’ library and shop of artist publications; and

  • Access to Hypercolour Futures, a summer program on experimental publishing presented by Possible Worlds, led by racialized artists (details announced shortly).

The artist also has the option of:

  • Production of the finished project in zine form by Possible Worlds, within one month of the residency. Twenty-five copies of the zine (2-colours, 5.5 x 8.5”, 16 pages maximum) will be printed. Artists must be able to design/format their work for print production. Production costs are covered by Possible Worlds;

  • Distribution and promotion of the zine by Possible Worlds, including in our shop section, online and fairs; and

  • Photographic and/or audio documentation of the zine.

Requirements

  • Artists will be responsible for all accommodation, transportation and food costs throughout the micro-residency.

  • Artists will be requested to present their projects in development, as part of the Hypercolour Futures summer program or as a separate artist talk.

  • If artists choose to produce a publication, they will be required to donate 20% of copies of the publication for future educational use, as well as for sale to support the costs of future residents.

Application Information

  • Deadline to apply: 11:59 PM ET on June 27, 2025

  • Notifications will be sent by July 4, 2025. Feedback will be available on request.

  • Applications will be assessed on the following points:

    • Clarity of proposal;

    • Quality and/or potential of work;

    • Impact of project on artist and community/public; and

    • Fit with Possible Worlds mission and available resources.

  • If you need any additional information or accommodations in order to apply for this opportunity, please contact info@possibleworldsshop.com.

We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the City of Ottawa.