Small Press and Comics Symposium of Chicago

The Small Press and Comics Symposium of Chicago, will be an exploration into the process, practice and product of local independent publishers and comic makers. Chicago has a rich network of self-publishers, and graphic novelists, as well as a community that supports their dedicated work. The Symposium will consist of two panel discussions: the first will pose questions to Chicago comic artists and the second will examine the workings of windy-city publishers. Gathering our resident book and comic producers in one amalgamated event will offer supportive comparisons and stimulating contrasts between both active communities. SAIC is a central point connecting makers and thinkers in the creative community in Chicago, the Midwest, nationally and internationally. Many Chicago-based comic artists and independent publishers are affiliated with The School of the Art Institute of Chicago as alumni, former students, current students, instructors or, if nothing else, by participating in happenings such as our fair symposium. Self-published books, comics and zines are a major component of our school’s output, and as such we should attempt to understand our Institution’s role in these cultures. We currently have an influx of comics, writing and publishing courses, as well as four active publishing student groups. SAIC students have an avid interest in comics and publishing and this interest deserves institutional support. We require both academic exploration and self-definition in our time of growth.