Warren Bernard

Executive Director of Small Press Expo (SPX), Warren Bernard, returns to The Truth In This Art podcast.Bernard shares insights into how planning, innovation, and community shape the road to SPX 2025. He reflects on the unique challenges and opportunities ahead, discussing how the evolving comics landscape and creative partnerships are driving the festival’s next chapter. Bernard’s work blends organizing, relationship-building, and artist support, bridging creators and audiences as SPX gears up for its milestone year.Bernard discusses fresh approaches to programming, strategic outreach to new artists and organizations, and the dynamic energy behind SPX’s continued relevance. He talks about strengthening connections with fans and collaborators, using trust and authentic engagement to keep the festival vibrant and resilient. Bernard offers a behind-the-scenes look at how SPX adapts to shifts in the comics world and prepares to celebrate independent voices in 2025.Bernard explores the importance of balancing tradition and innovation, supporting sustainable creative growth, and building spaces where artists thrive. For him, SPX 2025 represents both celebration and creative challenge, powered by local community, long-term partnerships, and a shared love for comics.Topics Covered:The vision and planning behind SPX 2025New challenges and opportunities in organizing creative eventsStrategic outreach to artists, fans, and organizationsBuilding trust, collaboration, and authentic communityEvolving programming to highlight diverse creative voicesNavigating shifts in the comics and arts landscapeSustaining growth, resilience, and connection for SPX’s futureReady for the next chapter of SPX? Follow @spxcomics on Instagram or visit www.smallpressexpo.com to discover the latest updates, artist news, and future events.

Warren Bernard on Small Press Expo (SPX) and the Library of Congress Warren Bernard is a prominent figure in the world of comics as the Executive Director of the Small Press Expo (SPX), an acclaimed independent sequential art festival. He's an accomplished comics-focused writer and historian, co-authoring the Eisner Award-nominated book "Drawing Power." With extensive expertise, he has extensively researched and written about the pivotal 1950s Juvenile Delinquency / Senate Comic Book Hearings. Warren is a valued contributor to over a dozen books, frequently sharing materials from his own expansive collection. His insightful lectures have been hosted by esteemed institutions including the Library of Congress and The Center for Cartoon Studies (CCS). Warren resides in Bethesda, Maryland, where his passion for comics thrives.During this engaging discussion, Warren Bernard shares:His journey from being a passionate comics enthusiast to his current role as the Executive Director of the Small Press Expo (SPX) and curator of the SPX Collection at the Library of Congress.The evolution of the SPX Collection since its inception and the meticulous process of accumulating over 10,000 works, preserving the legacy of indie comics.How his role at SPX has increased his visibility, opening up opportunities for podcasts and interviews, and how this unique perspective has affected his approach to discussing comics and sharing his expertise.Tune in to this episode to uncover the remarkable impact of the Small Press Expo, delve into the fascinating world of comics, and gain valuable insights from Warren Bernard's journey as a curator, author, and historian. 🎧🌟 Don't forget to Rate and review this podcast to support the best! 🌟🌟