Bow Skills workshop: publishing 101 in the arts with Jeffrey Choy
Thursday 30th April 2026 , 6:00pm to 8:00pm
As more artists are using various forms of artistic expression, how do we turn a creative idea into a published book that creates deeper connections with the audience? Join artist and writer Jeffrey Choy for a workshop exploring the pathways of publishing and independent book production in the arts.
This session provides an overview of a publication’s journey from a concept to a finished object. Drawing on case studies from his practice – including a crowdfunded book sold in major retailers, artist-led zines, and institutional commissions – Jeffrey will discuss different models of book production and distribution.
The workshop will cover practical considerations such as working with printers, using print-on-demand services, developing funding strategies, and reaching an audience through fairs, bookshops, and online platforms. The aim is to demystify the publishing process and consider the role of printed matter in contemporary artistic practice.
This workshop is suitable for artists, writers, and anyone with an interest in the practical aspects of creating books/ publications in an arts context.
No previous experience with publishing is required – come along and find out!
In this workshop, you will:
- Learn about the pathways of publishing and independent book production in the arts.
- Understand how art books can be made and distributed depending on the artists’ needs.
- Explore ways to work with printers, use print-on-demand services, develop funding strategies, and reach an audience through fairs, bookshops, and online platforms.
- Connect with other artists and practitioners with similar areas of interest.
More about Jeffrey Choy
Jeffrey Choy is a writer and artist whose work spans print, video arts, installations, and immersive interactive media, with a strong focus on publication arts. His practice merges book design with critical inquiry into knowledge of production, distribution, and decolonisation of copyright and ownership. He has worked alongside institutions including Bow Arts London, NDSM Fuse Amsterdam, and Tai Kwun Hong Kong, and is the co-founder of Hidden Keileon CIC, an artist-led collective working with migrant and queer communities.
About Bow Skills
Bow Arts seeks to support creative professionals at all stages of their careers. In 2015, Bow Arts launched Bow Skills in response to an artist survey which showed over 90% of practicing artists find it useful to receive further support outside formal education.
Bow Skills is a dynamic and relevant programme of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) which is informed by an artist steering group and open to all creative practitioners across London. The programme of talks, panel discussions, new skills labs and peer crits is open to all, with concession rates available to students, over 65s, under 18s, Bow Arts artists and key workers.
Access Information
The Bow Arts Trust office has step-free access throughout from street level, including to the accessible toilet, and is service animal friendly. This venue does not have a hearing loop system. Accessible parking is not available on-site.
If you have any questions regarding accessibility at this venue or event, would like to make us aware of any access requirements that you have in advance of visiting, or would like this information in an alternate format including Easy Read, please email nunnery@bowarts.com or call 020 8980 7774 (Ext. 3)
Access requirements could include things like providing equipment, services or support (e.g. information in Easy Read, speech to text software, additional 1:1 support), adjusting workshop timings (e.g. more break times), adjustments to the event space (e.g. making sure you have a seat near the entrance) or anything else you can think of!
Transport Information
Opening hours: Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm
Address: Bow Arts Trust, 183 Bow Road, London, E3 2SJ
Nearest station(s): Bow Road (District and Hammersmith and City lines) is a 6-minute walk away, and Bow Church (DLR) is a 3-minute walk away.
Bus: 205, 25, 425, A8, D8, 108, 276, 488 and 8 all service the surrounding area.
Bike: Bicycle parking is located at Bow Church Station. The nearest Santander Cycles docking station is at Bow Church Station.
