Open Call for Publications 2026

Application closes February 28

Matiz Press is excited to announce the inaugural open call for zines and small publications in 2026. This publishing cycle prioritizes completed or near-complete projects that are ready for production and public circulation.

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Matiz Press is an artist-run initiative based in Chicago, focused on independent zines, small publications, and experimental print work. The program supports the development of projects addressing gaps in Matiz's catalgoue.

We collaborate with artists, curators, and cultural workers to create experimental, small-run publications that circulate ideas, histories, and critical thought. Rooted in Chicago’s creative landscape, Matiz exists at the intersection of publishing, education, and community, centering print as a tool for connection, cultural stewardship, and shared imagination.

Categories

  • Latinx Photo Zines Lens-based projects presented in zine or booklet form.
  • Visual Poetry Publications that move between text and image, treating language and visual form as intertwined.
  • Artist Publications / Project Readers Print-ready publications that document or contextualize an artist’s existing body of work, exhibition, research project, or artist-run initiative.

Eligibility

  • Open to artists and writers based in the United States
  • Applicants must be 18 years of age or older
  • Open to individuals or collaborative projects

Timeline

Deadline: February 28, 2026 (11:59 PM CT)

Applicants will be notified of outcomes within one month of the closing date. Selected publications are scheduled for May–June 2026 release, depending on production capacity.

Submission Guidelines

All submissions must adhere to the following specifications. Submissions that do not meet these guidelines will not be considered.

  • Final trim size: 5 × 7 inches
  • Page count: 12–24 pages (including covers)
  • Interior: 1-color print
  • Cover: Maximum 2-color print
  • Binding: Saddle stitch
  • Format: Zine, booklet, or small reader
  • File format: PDF

Proposals & Final Files

  • Proposals are welcome. Applicants may submit a concept and working draft rather than a fully finalized publication.
  • Submissions should clearly demonstrate structure, content, and feasibility within the program’s production specifications.
  • If selected, contributors must submit final, print-ready files by March 31, 2026.

Projects unable to meet the final file deadline may be deferred or withdrawn.

Benefits

  • All printing and production costs covered by Matiz Press
  • Production of a small-run printed edition
  • 60% of the printed edition allocated to the artist(s) / contributor(s)
  • Publication credit and inclusion in the Matiz Press catalog
  • Distribution and circulation through Matiz Press channels

There are no application or upfront production fees. At this time, the program does not offer artist honoraria.

Rights & Copies

Artists retain full rights to their work. From the total edition printed:

  • 60% of copies are allocated to the artist(s) for personal distribution, sales, or archive
  • 40% of copies are retained by Matiz Press for documentation, promotion, and sales to support future publishing efforts

Frequently Asked Questions

  • A zine is a small, self-published booklet that shares ideas, stories, or creative work in an accessible and informal format. Zines are meant to be handled, used, shared, and revisited, they’re a flexible way to learn and engage without needing specialized tools or prior knowledge.

  • No. You do not need to be Latinx to participate.

    (Note: Latinx identity is only a requirement for the photo category, where specified.)

  • No. You do not need any risograph experience.

    Printing will be done in one color, which allows for a streamlined production process and does not require participant training or technical knowledge.

    You call provide, full-color or black and white files.

  • No. There is no application fee or upfront production cost.

  • Yes, provided the work has not been widely distributed in the same format and is appropriate for a small-run edition.

  • Submissions are reviewed based on:

How to Apply

To submit your publication or proposal, please complete the application form and share a link to your PDF.

Apply Now