The Open Page Zine

The Open Page is Project Sonrisa's biannual zine (November and April) exploring the connection between the arts and mental wellbeing. The zine will provide a platform for anyone, regardless of experience or background, to share creative expressions, including photography, poetry, short prose, doodles, textiles, sketches, or any other art form.

The first edition will be published in November 2025, following an open submission period from September 22 – October 27, 2025.

Edition 1 Theme: Roots & Growth (Publish Nov 2025) Submission window 22/09/2025 to 27/10/2025

Edition 2 Theme: Echoes (Publish Apr 2026) 

Edition 3 Theme: Light / Shadow (Publish Nov 2026)

Edition 4 Theme: Movement (Publish Apr 2027)

The long-term ambition is to secure resources to offer artist payments, but in the initial stage, participation is voluntary.

Core Pillars of The Open Page

• Platforming creativity: Provide an accessible space for people to share art connected to mental health and wellbeing.

• Reducing stigma: Use creative expression to spark conversations around mental health.

• Community building: Celebrate diversity in experiences and creativity, strengthening Project Sonrisa’s network.

• Sustainability: Build a scalable model that could grow into paid opportunities for contributors.

Format

Frequency: Twice a year (November and April).

Content types: Visual art, photography, short prose (max ~400 words), poetry (max 1 page), mixed media (scanned/photographed), doodles, textiles, craft.

Theme: Each edition will have a broad theme to guide submissions.

Distribution:

• • Free digital download via Project Sonrisa’s website.

  • Small print run for events, partners, and contributors (budget dependent).

  • On demand print run for Project Sonrisa supporters to purchase a physical copy

How to submit your art!

Email to info@ProjectSonrisa.com

• Name

• Pronouns 

• Age 

• Closest city to where you are based

• A short bio about yourself (50 word limit)

• Medium of the art you are submitting (digital art, painting, photography, poetry etc)

• Worldwide submissions welcome - Scottish based submissions prioritised

There are no limits on number of submissions for Edition 1, however, please ensure short stories are a maximum of 300 words or 6 stanzas.