important dates
MICE welcomes comic creators to apply between March 13 - April 10 to exhibit at our 2023 show. Our application guidelines help maintain a fresh, local, and comics-centered show, while working with the limited space of our venue. We are interested in providing our attendees with a healthy mix of local talent, first-time exhibitors, exhibitors working in print comics, and with new work. Our goal is to maximize the diversity of our exhibitor roster in several senses of the word: diversity of genre, of styles, and of voices. Additionally, as the Boston area’s major independent comics show, we strive as much as possible to give a platform for local and regional creators. Using these criteria, the show will be fully curated by our jury. We appreciate your understanding that while interest in MICE grows, our available space remains limited.
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Applications open: March 13, 2023
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Applications close: April 10, 2023 (11:59 PM EST)
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Application Status Announcement: May 15, 2023
application guidelines
We are now accepting applications to exhibit at MICE 2023. Please review our Application Guidelines and find the link to apply below.
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We need to review your comics
In the upcoming application we’ll ask for a link to an online portfolio or shared file with samples of your comics – we can't consider you without them! More is better, so please send us your full comic to review rather than an excerpt. If you are working on something new, send us pencils or even thumbnails.
Please make sure your portfolio contains specific and clear examples of your comics work. In fact, a submitted PDF of your comics work is preferred. (See sample here)
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Comics should count for at least half of your show material
While illustration and other works are certainly welcome we are curating a comics-centered show.
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Exhibit new comics
We encourage all applicants to introduce new material and there will be a space in the application for you to detail any new work. If you have a new comic, please include it in your portfolio sample! As mentioned, if you have any works in progress, we would love to see your pencils and thumbnails.
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Consider applying for a Small Table Space
If you only have 1 or 2 comics to sell, apply for a 2.5 foot space at a table small with other exhibitors. It’s a great option for students and newcomers.
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Publishers and Collectives: We need to read the work of those you’re representing.
If you are a publisher or collective applying to exhibit at MICE, please share files of any comics you’ll be presenting at the show for our review. Please also be as specific as possible as to which artists in your group plan to attend the show.
NEW CREATOR PORTAL
The Boston Comic Arts Foundation has launched a new Creator Portal, on which we’ll be hosting the MICE applications. We’re extremely excited about how this new system will streamline applying to MICE not just this year but every year! Check out our Getting Started Guide to learn how you can apply.
FAQs
I want to table with my friend. What should I do?
Due to our COVID safety policies, you should submit your own application for an individual space. If you would like to table near specific creators, please note in the application. Only collectives, print groups, and publishers should apply for full table spaces. Please don’t apply for a full table unless you’re sure this applies to you!
I want to share a small or half table space with a friend. Can I?
This year due to COVID safety protocols we are limiting our small and half spaces to one exhibitor per designated space. If you would like to table near specific creators, please note in the application.
Applications are closed, but can I be put on the waiting list?
Sorry, but no! We do not accept any applications after the deadline (11:59 PM EST at 4/10/23). We hope you’ll apply next year!
When are applications opening next year?
Great question! Join our mailing list below to receive updates on exhibitor registration for MICE 2024.
I can’t wait for MICE! What else is going on?
If you’re a creator in the Boston area, there are Boston Comic Roundtable chapters that meet up in Cambridge and Beverly, MA.
For more independent comics shows in our area, check out the Boston Comics in Color Festival in at the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center in April, Ladies Con in May at the Somerville Armory, and Boston Kids Comics Fest at the Northeastern University's Curry Student Center in June!
Comic classes are offered for all ages and skill levels at the Eliot School in Jamaica Plain.
Pricing
Small Table Space (2.5 feet): $75 - For individuals with 1 or 2 comics to sell
Half Table Space (3 feet): $100 - For individual exhibitors
Full Table Space (6 feet): $200 - For collective, print groups, and publishers
10% Student Discount