Citation Needed is an experimental publishing initiative, supporting the development and production artist books created by 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders. The project is lead by Ari Wolff, in collaboration with the 14th-Street Y and Printed Matter / Saint Marks. This year-long after-school series provides project-based arts experiences for children while amplifying their voices through printed matter and book arts.
Citation Needed’s weekly workshops cover a range of techniques, including printmaking, xerography, book arts, drawing, writing, and comics. Drawing inspiration from concrete poetics, Reggio Emilia pedagogy, and socially engaged art education, Citation Needed fosters spontaneous and process-based creativity, encouraging the young participants to explore their ideas, challenge conventional notions of “error,” and continually reimagine their work.
Embracing chance as a creative force, many of the works produced in this class were inspired by unexpected accidents. After months of dedicated creation, editing, printing, and binding, the authors and illustrators are eager to share their meaningful work, honoring their inner worlds, autonomy, and ability to challenge oppressive systems and societal expectations.
The First Edition of Citation Needed books were on view at Printed Matter / Saint Marks in June of 2023 and including 14 unique publications. The Second Edition will be available for purchase at Printed Matter / Saint Marks in Summer 2024.