#61 - What’s Shaping Small Press Expo (SPX) 2025? | 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 2025
• New challenges and opportunities in organizing creative events
• Strategic outreach to artists, fans, and organizations
• Building trust, collaboration, and authentic community
• Evolving programming to highlight diverse creative voices
• Navigating shifts in the comics and arts landscape
• Sustaining growth, resilience, and connection for SPX’s future

Ready 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.

The Truth In This Art is supported by William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, the Maryland State Arts Council's Creativity Grant and Mayor's Individual Artist Award - Creative Baltimore Fund (Baltimore). 

Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
Production:

• Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel Alexis
• Edited by Daniel Alexis
• Show Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and Transistor

Photos:

• Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.
• Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.

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