The social enterprise My Bookcase works towards connecting people through books, as well as initiating and supporting creative projects that take the physical book as a source for both research and practice.
Established in 2014 and based in Glasgow, it is currently crowdfunding for a new feature on its online platform – a unique directory of independent publishing houses across the globe.
The directory, which My Bookcase hopes to raise £3,000 to fund, will show previous publications and projects by independent publishers, showcasing their work and vision.
Artist and architect Cristina Garriga, who founded My Bookcase, describes the crowdfunding campaign as a way to “continue creating connections with publishers and organisations” who they want to “include in the conversation”
“We have had many good responses from independent publishing houses so far and in some occasions we have been able to support each other’s projects – for example, Book Works currently has its own kickstarter campaign too.”
Celebrating Independent Publishing from my bookcase on Vimeo.
The directory will also provide practical information such as where publishers are based and any policies they may have with respect to enquiries or proposals from artists.
This is an important feature: visual artists creating in the book form readily seek such conversations, as can be seen in artist Maddy Hearn’s research trip to independent publishers and artist-run book stores in Amsterdam.
With an ambitious global approach, My Bookcase hopes the directory will make such relationships a reality for more artists, easing the process for them to research and approach suitable publishers, build sustainable working relationships with them, and develop more ambitious projects.
Last year, amongst other projects, My Bookcase worked with Glasgow-based artist Dorian Jose Braun, on his book work rondello, which he showed at the Edinburgh Art Festival Platform 2016 exhibition.
By actively involving others in its realisation, the directory will be the outcome of two important phases: “First we will invest time researching and establishing further connections with independent publishers, like-minded organisations and individuals we want to involve in the process of conceiving the platform.
“We will share the outcomes of this and together draft the directory framework and define its needed functionalities.”
The second phase will be the directory’s design and online development, with the platform expected to be online by late 2017.
The crowdfunding campaign is over half way towards its target and with less than two weeks to go there are still some great rewards. These include handmade marble risograph notebooks and book-making workshops.
www.crowdfunder.co.uk/the-independent-publishing-house-directory
Images
1. Speaking Volumes, My Bookcase event with Maria Fusco and Sarah Tripp at Glasgow Women’s Library, 2014. Photo: Mel Bestel; Courtesy: My Bookcase
2. Dorian Braun, rondello, 2016. Courtesy: the artist and My Bookcase
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