MICRO-PUBLISHING SUMMER RESIDENCY

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.

Deadline to apply: 11:59 PM ET on June 27, 2025. Applicants will be informed of our decision by July 4, 2025.

Please make sure to review the information below on eligibility, requirements and application criteria before applying.

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.

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

  • Applicants will be informed of our decision 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.