Printed Matter, Inc
Three unrestricted $10,000 USD grants for independent artists' book publishers worldwide, plus a featured spot at a Printed Matter Art Book Fair.
Now in its third year, the Printed Matter Publisher Work Grant offers unrestricted funding to independent artists' book publishers around the world. Three grants of $10,000 USD each will be awarded in 2026, made possible through the generous support of Wagner Foundation.
The grant recognises publishers' past contributions to the artists' book field and provides capacity-building funds to support future projects and long-term sustainability. There are no restrictions on how funds are spent — awardees can put the money toward production costs, artists' fees, equipment, studio space, hired assistance, rent, or any other pressing need.
In addition to the cash award, selected publishers will receive a featured exhibitor presence at a forthcoming Printed Matter NY or LA Art Book Fair in 2027 (dates to be confirmed), with the table provided free of charge.
To be eligible, your imprint should
Past winners of the Publisher Work Grant are not eligible to apply again, but past recipients of other Printed Matter awards (Volume Grant, Shannon Michael Cane Award, Jason Polan Award) are welcome.
Applications are open to publishers based anywhere in the world. International publishers are strongly encouraged to apply.
The jury — comprising artists, publishers, and educators — will assess applications based on the strength of individual projects, the overall output and track record of the press, and the press's future ambitions. They are particularly interested in publishers who:
Note: this grant is not suited to publishers working primarily in fiction, non-fiction, poetry, art catalogues, monographs, or handcrafted book objects — though hybrid and innovative approaches across genres are welcome.
For eligibility questions, contact workgrant@printedmatter.org.
