Boundless Bound Symposium and Art Book Fair (2025)

About the Open Call

Organizer: Feixue Mei. The Boundless Bound Symposium and Art Book Fair is a two-day event taking place at James Madison University (JMU) on October 29–30, 2025. It will feature a range of public programs, including a symposium with presentations by invited speakers from universities across Virginia and beyond, a Pecha Kucha session selected through an open call, an art book fair, and hands-on workshops in letterpress and risograph printing, among other activities. The event is dedicated to the production, presentation, and exchange of both creative and scholarly works—ranging from zines, artist books, comics, graphic novels, and experimental prints to academic research in publishing history, visual culture, media studies, and related disciplines. Participants are invited to share their work through presentations, exhibitions, and/or tabling. The first day will include a symposium and workshops, culminating in an evening opening reception for the m(other)ing exhibition, co-curated by Feixue Mei, Meaghan Dee, and Bree McMahon at the Duke Hall Gallery. The second day will be the art book fair, showcasing works by artists, designers, and publishers. Highlights include guest speakers from across Virginia and beyond, Pecha Kucha-style lightning talks, interactive workshops (letterpress, risograph, and more), opening reception for the m(other)ing exhibition, and an art book fair featuring zines, artists’ books, comics, graphic novels, prints, and experimental publishing practices. The event fosters interdisciplinary collaboration among scholars, artists, designers, and the broader public, advancing research while reimagining publishing as a vibrant space for education and creative exchange.

What is Offered

Public programs, symposium with presentations by invited speakers, Pecha Kucha session, art book fair, hands-on workshops in letterpress and risograph printing, opening reception for the m(other)ing exhibition, interdisciplinary collaboration, advancement of research, creative exchange.

Requirements

Participants are invited to share their work through presentations, exhibitions, and/or tabling. Specific requirements for Pecha Kucha presenters and vendors are outlined in their respective application forms.

How to Apply

Apply via specific Google Forms links for vendor applications, PechaKucha presenter applications, and volunteer opportunities. The call for creative works for the m(other)ing exhibition is now closed.