This spring will be our fifth #comicscamp. We're getting to a place where we have a stable footing and we're thinking more about the overall shape of the event.

Traveling to Alaska for a multi-day comics camp can be an expensive undertaking and we recognize that in addition to the challenge artists have in just making a living, there are a lot of deeply rooted societal inequities at play as well.

This year, we’re aiming the bulk of our financial aid at increasing access to the camp for indigenous artists, creators of color and people from underrepresented communities.

A lot of that financial aid comes from other participants in the camp. It's an event that has a community focus and leans on peer-to-peer support. In addition to supporting one another, artists who came to Juneau last year did around 50 school and classroom visits.

We have glaciers and trees and rain and it’s nice to spend time retreating to the woods where we can all learn and think and unwind with other working artists. I hope you'll apply: https://minicon.alaskarobotics.com/comics-camp/ 

And requests for financial aid are not weighed when considering applications. We do our best to work with everyone who has been accepted to help them attend. We do appreciate people searching on their end for local grants as well though.

Many local arts agencies provide "career opportunity" or "travel" grants for just such an occasion. For example, working artists in Oregon may be eligible for a $300 to $1,500 grant: https://www.oregonartscommission.org/grants/career-opportunity

These grants not only help to fund your travel but look great on a resume.

Also, I'm happy to answer any questions you might have about the camp. It's organized by our small staff here in Juneau and a bunch of local volunteers. We're accessible.