Short Run Seattle

Mission

Short Run focuses on the medium of comics as a coalescence of art and literature. We believe in the intimate experience of holding a book in your hands. That's why we highlight artists from the Pacific Northwest and around the world who make alternative comix and self-published, small press, and handmade books of all kinds. We want to ensure that Seattle is considered a destination for small press artists, and a percolator of comics genius.

Description

Founded in 2011, Short Run Seattle has grown from a one-day comics festival to a year-round nonprofit arts organization with a comics residency, workshops, micropress, monthly artist talks, and online resources for artists. Short Run was awarded its first NEA ArtWorks grant in 2016 and has been consistently supported by them and local granting organizations such as 4Culture and The Washington State Arts Commission (artsWA).

Our largest program is Short Run Comix Festival. Attracting over 4,000 people and featuring over 250 alternative comic book artists, our yearly comics and arts festival has grown into a highly anticipated community event, important to artists and audiences alike for its celebration and showcasing of experiments in innovative storytelling, graphic artistry, unique book printing and formats, and referred to by many as Seattle's “comics Christmas.” 

Thank you for your past donations that have helped to make everything we do possible. No local art nonprofit can survive without community support. Now is the time to give to the organizations that facilitate the art & culture you love in Seattle.

Recognition

“…Short Run was one of the most invigorating and creatively inspiring shows I’ve ever been to. So much good work, so many even greater vibes- in seven hours I felt like I barely scratched the surface and could have come home with three times as much if time and $$ permitted. Mad respect for Kelly Froh and Co. for creating the best small press show on the west coast (and maybe North America) in our own backyard; we are so lucky to have it.”  Eric Reynolds, Fantagraphics

Our Board Members include Jessica Powers, Lylianna Allala, Meredith Li-Vollmer, McKenna Haley, Jessica Lopez, Bryan Littlefield, Kelly Froh, and Megan Kelso.

In 2025, the 13th annual Short Run Comix Festival will be held at Seattle Design Center in Georgetown (a new location!) Save the date, Saturday, November 1st 11 am - 6 pm. FREE!