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FINAL DAY: Call and Response Book Collaboration

Tomorrow - September 30th Deadline


This is it. The final hours to join the Call and Response Book Collaboration project. If you've been on the fence, now is the time to decide.


What Is Call and Response?


Since 2020, Call and Response has connected over 500 artists across six continents through collaborative art-making. Born during the pandemic to combat isolation and spark creativity, this project has facilitated hundreds of unexpected partnerships that transformed artistic practices and built lasting friendships.


This year, we're making history: Call and Response goes physical for the first time with a book art collaboration and in-person exhibition at the Start Up Art Fair in Venice Beach.


The Project at a Glance


Your Commitment:

  • 4-month collaboration period (October 2025 - January 2026)

  • Create a collaborative book with a randomly paired partner

  • Maximum size: 16" x 20" (all formats and mediums welcome)

  • Free to participate (cover your own materials and shipping)


What You Get:

  • Random pairing with an artist you've never met (October 1st announcements)

  • Professional exhibition at Start Up Art Fair (February 28 - March 1, 2026)

  • Marketing and promotional support from Shoebox Arts

  • Opportunity to sell your collaborative work (33% split to each artist)

  • Community of fellow collaborators

  • Potential for lasting creative partnerships


Collaboration Methods:

  • Physical Exchange: Mail the book back and forth (great for domestic partnerships)

  • Digital Documentation: Create individually, photograph work, combine at the end (ideal for international partnerships)


Why Book Art?


Book art opens infinite creative possibilities - from traditional bound volumes to accordion books, loose pages in boxes, scrolls, card decks, or sculptural interpretations. We've shared inspiring examples in our resource folder, including repurposed vintage books, handmade paper creations, mixed media works, and innovative pop-up designs.


The hotel venue at Start Up Art Fair is perfect for book display - no wall hanging required. Books will be showcased on beds, tables, dressers, and throughout the suite space, allowing visitors to interact with your work in an intimate setting.


The Call and Response Experience


Over 20 rounds, artists have described Call and Response as:

  • "Life-saving" during isolation

  • A catalyst for creative breakthroughs

  • A way to discover new techniques and perspectives

  • An opportunity to push beyond comfort zones

  • A source of unexpected friendships and future collaborations


The magic happens when both artists create something neither could make alone.


Recent Updates


New Project Infrastructure:


Ready to Participate?


APPLICATION DEADLINE: TODAY, September 30, 2025



Project info, examples & meeting recording:


What Happens Next


October 1st: Random partner pairings announced via email Early October: Connect with your partner to plan your approach October - January: Four months of collaborative creation Mid-February 2026: Work delivery to Shoebox Arts February 28 - March 1, 2026: Exhibition at Start Up Art Fair, Venice Beach


Questions?



We understand that life is busy and setting boundaries is important. But if you have the bandwidth for this 4-month commitment, we highly recommend taking the leap. Call and Response offers something rare: a structured opportunity to experiment, collaborate, and connect with the international artist community.


Are you ready to create something you've never made before with someone you've never met?


Sign up today.


Kristine Schomaker Shoebox Arts callandresponseart@gmail.com @callandresponseart

*This is the final call for applications. Partner announcements go out October 1st


Polina Schneider and Kim Reasor
Polina Schneider and Kim Reasor

 
 
 

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