We’re looking for the latest, greatest mini-comics
Each year the Massachusetts Independent Comics Expo enthusiastically supports self-published comics by awarding MICE Mini-Grants to independent creators. We are so excited to celebrate the hard work and talents of our exhibitors with MICE Mini-Grants. Thanks to matching support from PrintNinja, MICE Mini-Grants offer funding to help creators print their work, provide focused marketing and promotional support, and a top-notch distribution channel for their comics with our partner Radiator Comics.
about our grants
In 2023, the Massachusetts Independent Comics Expo will award 15 MICE Mini-Grants of $100 each! In addition, a Special Guest Judge will select one of these winners to receive a Grand Prize: a total grant of $500. MICE 2023 exhibitors are encouraged to submit new self-published print mini-comics for consideration through Friday, August 18, 2023.
our partners
The Mini-Grant program is made possible thanks to a matching financial contribution from PrintNinja. We are also excited to announce our continued partnership with Radiator Comics, which offers winning entries an open opportunity for retail and online distribution.
Want to support MICE Mini-Grants?
When you give a donation to the Boston Comic Arts Foundation 501(c)(3), you can specify that you’d like your tax-deductible gift to go toward MICE Mini-Grants. Whether it’s large or small, 100% of MICE Mini-Grant donations go directly to creators and support the best in new, local comics, year after year.
timeline for applicants
Winners will be selected from all submissions entered by Friday, August 18, 2023. Each application will be assessed by the MICE Mini-Grant jury, made up of members of the MICE Planning Committee. Applicants will be notified of their status by Monday, September 11, 2023. Mini-Grant Winners and the $500 Grand Prize will be announced on Monday, September 25, 2023.
timeline for Winners
Start printing your mini-comics with the printer of your choice!
by September 18, 2023
Fill out payment and information forms with MICE and intent to distribute with Radiator Comics by September 18
September 25, 2023
MICE Announces Mini-Grant Winners on September 25!
by October 9, 2023
Submit 10 - 20 copies of your mini-comics to Radiator Comics at MICE or sent by mail by October 9
Guidelines to apply
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Only confirmed MICE 2023 exhibitors may apply for the 2023 MICE Mini-Grant.
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New self-published print mini-comics are eligible for MICE Mini-Grants.
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Hey, does my webcomic count? Sure, if you intend to make a print version!
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How new is new? New this year or new to MICE 2023. Email us if you’re not sure.
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An application and review material must be submitted by Friday, August 18, 2023, at 11:59pm by logging into our Creator Portal accessible via the application link below.
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Only submit works that can be completed and printed for MICE on September 30–October 1, 2023.
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Review materials must include all interior comic pages whether they are finished or in-progress. Cover images or photos of the printed mini-comic are optional but encouraged. See sample PDF comic.
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All review materials should be attached to your application as a PDF linked from a share folder. See here for a guide on how to create a pdf file.
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One entry per person or creative team.
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If your comic is in a foreign language, please include an English translation.
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Your comic must be self-published.
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We welcome mini-comics with adult themes and content as well as those geared predominantly toward kids. We are looking for all kinds of comics, covering all kinds of topics!
We’re happy to answer any further questions. Please send them to mice@bostoncomicarts.org.
what we're offering
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$100 award for winning entries and an additional $400 to the Grand Prize winner.
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Winning mini-comics will be featured on our website and at our show.
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Winners will have an open, optional opportunity for online distribution with Radiator Comics. In order to participate, creators must be able to mail their desired number of printed comics available for sale to Radiator Comics by October 9, 2023. Or winners may bring inventory to MICE 2023 and MICE staff will ship your comics to Radiator on your behalf.
working with Radiator Comics
How does distribution through Radiator Comics work?
Great question! Radiator Comics sells comics through their website to individuals around the world as well as stores and educational institutions. Radiator carries comics on a consignment basis, which means you send them your comics, and when they sell copies of your comic, they pay you 65% of the price. Radiator Comics has an automatic quarterly payout-schedule, so you don't have to request payment. Radiator Comics' distribution rights are non-exclusive, so you're encouraged to also sell through your own site/shop, and work with other distributors too! Have additional questions on how it all works? Don’t hesitate to reach out.
Apply for a MICE Mini-Grant
Applications are available until August 18, 2023. We're happy to answer any further questions! Please get in touch with the MICE team at mice@bostoncomicarts.org.